How to access safe mode when you cannot access the operating system.

The Windows 8 operating system is designed to primarily access Safe Mode from within the operating system. If the operating system will not start and you want to access Safe Mode to help determine why and/or perform troubleshooting, follow these steps:

1. Press the Power button until the computer is completely off.
2. With the computer turned completely off, press and hold the Assist button until the black VAIO screen appears.

   NOTE: The interface and location of the Assist button will be different depending on the computer model. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer for the exact location of the Assist button on your model.

3. At the VAIOCare | Rescue Mode screen, with the Recover or maintain your system [F10] option is highlighted, press the Enter key.
   NOTE: You can also press F10 in your keyboard to launch the VAIO Recovery Center.
   
   
   
4. At the Choose your keyboard layout screen, click to select the proper keyboard layout.
   
   
   
5. At the Choose an option screen, click the Troubleshoot option.
   
   
   
6. At the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
   
   
   
7. In the Advanced options screen, click Command Prompt.
   
   
   
8. In the Command Prompt window, type "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy" and then press the Enter key.
9. Click the X in the upper-right corner to close the Command Prompt window.
10. At the Choose an option screen, click the Turn off your PC option.
    
    
    
11. Press the F8 key repeatedly while pressing the Power button to turn the computer on.
12. On the Windows Start Menu, select Safe Mode.