Fixing Not_Safe_Mode_Driver Error: Troubleshooting Guide for Windows Users

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The Error Not_Safe_Mode_Driver can be a significant obstacle for users attempting to troubleshoot their systems in Safe Mode. This issue often arises when drivers cannot load properly during this restricted operating environment, causing frustration and potential downtime. In this article, we will explore the causes of this error and offer practical solutions to remedy it.

Understanding the Error Not Safe Mode Driver​

When Windows enters Safe Mode, it runs a minimal set of drivers and functions. This limits the number of devices and applications that can run, allowing users to perform troubleshooting tasks without interference from third-party software. However, certain drivers may not load due to the operating environment being tailored specifically for troubleshooting. The error code associated with this problem is typically described as: 646 (0x286) The driver was not loaded because the system is booting into safe mode. This indicates that some necessary drivers are improperly configured or not suitable for Safe Mode operation.

History and Context​

Safe Mode has been an integral part of the Windows operating system for many years, designed to help users fix various issues without contamination from third-party applications or devices. The nature of driver management and the evolution of hardware compatibility requirements have made errors such as the Not Safe Mode Driver increasingly prevalent, particularly in modern versions of Windows like Windows 10 and Windows 11. Understanding previous iterations of driver management in Windows is crucial for diagnosing and resolving these issues.

1. Update or Reinstall the Driver in Safe Mode​

One of the most effective methods to address the Error Not_Safe_Mode_Driver is to update or reinstall the problematic driver. This can often rectify any issues stemming from outdated or corrupted drivers.

Steps to Update/Reinstall:​

  1. Access Safe Mode:
    • Press Win + R and type msconfig.
    • Navigate to the Boot tab.
    • Check the Safe boot option and select Minimal.
    • Restart your PC to boot into Safe Mode.
    []Open Device Manager:
    • Once in Safe Mode, press Win + X and select Device Manager.
    [
    ]Locate the Driver:
    • Find the driver that's causing issues, right-click it, and select Update Driver or Rollback Driver if updates have recently caused issues.
    []Revert Configuration:
    • Go back to msconfig, uncheck Safe boot, and restart. This method often resolves the issue by refreshing the driver configuration and ensuring that the latest version of the driver is in use.

      2. Use NtLoadDriver for Error Diagnosis​

      Diagnosing issues with the driver can provide insight into why it fails to load in Safe Mode. Using an advanced command can help.

      Steps to Diagnose:​

    [
    ]Open Command Prompt:
    • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter to run it as an administrator.
    []Use NtLoadDriver:
    • Employ a tool that utilizes NtLoadDriver() to manually load the driver.
    • If you receive the error 0xC000035F STATUS_NOT_SAFE_MODE_DRIVER, it confirms that the driver is restricted from loading in Safe Mode. This method not only identifies the problem but can also suggest backup plans to adjust configurations leading to successful driver activations.

      3. Modify SafeBoot Registry Settings​

      Editing the Windows Registry provides another pathway to resolving the Not Safe Mode Driver error. This approach helps to define specific drivers that can load even in Safe Mode.

      Steps to Modify Registry:​

    [
    ]Open Registry Editor:
    • Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
    []Navigate to the Registry Key:
    • Access the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Minimal.
    [
    ]Create a New Key:
    • Right-click on Minimal, select New > Key, and name it with the driver’s name (e.g., Driver64.sys).
    • Set the Default Value to Driver.
    []Repeat for Network Settings:
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Network and repeat the above step for the same driver.
    [
    ]Check Driver Path:
    • Ensure that the driver file, such as Driver64.sys, exists in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder. Modifying registry settings is a powerful method of ensuring specific drivers are recognized in Safe Mode, directly influencing the startup operation range of Windows.

      4. Ensure Driver Signature Compliance​

      Driver compatibility plays a crucial role in system performance and stability. Ensuring that all drivers are correctly signed can prevent many errors, including the Not Safe Mode Driver.

      Steps to Ensure Compliance:​

    []Check Driver Signing:
    • Verify that your driver is signed with an Extended Validation (EV) SHA-256 certificate.
    [
    ]Co-signing Submission:
    • Submit the driver for Microsoft co-signing via the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program or attestation.
  2. Disable Secure Boot:
    • Temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS can provide a test environment to see if the driver loads properly in Safe Mode. This method ensures not only that drivers comply with the security protocols enforced by Windows but also that they are less likely to cause issues moving forward.

      Conclusion​

      The Error Not_Safe_Mode_Driver can be a source of frustration for many users. However, through systematic troubleshooting involving driver updates, registry modifications, and ensuring driver compliance, users can effectively tackle this problem. As technology continues to evolve, drivers remain a fundamental aspect of hardware performance on Windows systems. Keeping them updated and compliant with system requirements is essential for smooth operation, particularly when utilizing Safe Mode for troubleshooting. The methods outlined above are not exhaustive but serve as a solid foundation for addressing driver-related issues in Windows environments. Always remember to back up your system before making significant changes to drivers or registry settings, ensuring that you can recover from any unintended consequences. Source: Windows Report Error Not Safe Mode Driver: 4 Ways to Fix it
 


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