OS X Tip: Safe Mode

To identify if incompatible Startup or Login items are causing problems, you can boot OS X in safe mode:

• Be sure the computer is shut down.
• Press the power button.
• Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key (but not before the startup tone).
• Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple and progress indicator.

To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.