how to restart pc in safe mode?

I want to restart my pc in safe mode, in order to run the disk defrag. The only way I know to reliably do this is to push the power button off and on. But I don't think that's the best idea to do on purpose...
Can anyone tell me which buttons to hold down during the boot up to start it in safe mode?
Thanks,
Molly

1. RE: how to restart pc in safe mode?
Sgregg May-30-01 07:34 PM
In response to message 0

while your computer is booting up keep pressing F8 and that will take you to a screen that will allow several options including safe mode. Why are you trying to run defrag in safe mode?

2. RE: how to restart pc in safe mode?
mollyd May-30-01 08:02 PM
In response to message 1

Oh, I'm trying to start it in safe mode cause it's having problems defragging. That happened once to my home computer, and someone told me to start it in safe mode and the defrag woudl run no problem. I did (think i hit shift + F8) and the defrag finally went all teh way through. One of our office computer is sick, and thought I'd try this remedy before calling in the cavalry.
Thanks for your suggestion, I"ll give it a try.
-Molly