Can I transfer files in Safe mode

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A lot of things can result in the failure of your Windows system to boot. Once it happens, the simple solution would be to restore the system to an earlier date via Advanced Startup Options. However, if you’ve something important added to the system after the restoration point date, you might not be able to recover it. What you can do to avoid such situations is transfer files in Safe Mode using WBAdmin command line tool before proceeding with your boot option. WBAdmin enables you to back up and restore your Windows operating system, volumes, files, folders, and applications from a command prompt.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

WBAdmin tool is a utility that enables you to back up and restore your operating system, volumes, files, folders, and applications from a command prompt. You can use it to transfer files in Safe Mode when your system fails to boot. Here’s how!

  1. Turn on your computer.
  2. Press the F8 key repeatedly to go to Advanced Boot Options.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt option.
  4. Once you enter the Safe Mode, in the command prompt window, type wbadmin start backup -backuptarget:E:-include:C:
  5. Type Y for Yes
  6. Allow the transfer of files in Safe Mode.

You need to run wbadmin from an elevated command prompt, by right-clicking Command Prompt, and then selecting Run as administrator.

Power on your computer and keep pressing the F8 key repeatedly.

This will give you access to Advanced Boot Options.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

Go to Startup Settings and select it.

Use the arrow key to navigate to the Safe Mode with Command Prompt option.

Hit Enter to enter the Safe Mode.

Now in an elevated CMD, type the following command to backup C: drive to external hard drive (In this case – E:)

wbadmin start backup -backuptarget:E:-include:C:

When prompted to confirm the action, press “Y” to start backing up under Safe Mode.

What is the purpose of Safe Mode?

The purpose of the Safe Mode is to start Windows in a basic state by using only a limited set of files and drivers. This helps you to narrow down the source of a problem, and look for ways to troubleshoot Startup problems on your PC. There are three different types of Safe Mode:

  1. Safe Mode
  2. Safe Mode with Networking
  3. Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Why is F8 not working for Safe Mode?

Microsoft has cut short the time for the F8 key to invoke the Boot menu to almost zero interval. As such, users find it hard to access and press the F8 key to invoke the boot menu and then, start the Safe Mode.

Hope this helps.

A post-graduate in Biotechnology, Hemant switched gears to writing about Microsoft technologies and has been a contributor to TheWindowsClub since then. When he is not working, you can usually find him out traveling to different places or indulging himself in binge-watching.

When it comes to safe mode, many Windows users used to take it as a powerful troubleshooting tool commonly. However, it's worth saying that safe mode is also a useful utility for you to backup files when your Windows computer doesn't work normally. And how can you backup files in safe mode of Windows 10/8/7? In the following content, we will introduce 2 effective ways for you to backup files in Windows safe mode and you can also get an additional way to backup files when the safe mode is inaccessible.

  1. 1. Backup Files in Windows Safe Mode with Copy-and-Paste
  2. 2. Backup Files in Windows Safe Mode via CMD
  3. Additional: Backup Files without Safe Mode Using CloneGo

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

2 Ways to Backup Files in Windows Safe Mode

1. Backup Files in Windows Safe Mode with Copy-and-Paste

Step 1: Start Your Windows PC in Safe Mode.

For Windows 7:

  • 1. Start your computer and press the F8 key before Windows starts.
  • 2. Then in the Advanced Boot Options screen, select Safe Mode.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

For Windows 10/8:

  • 1. Hold the Shift key on when you select Restart in the Power menu of the login screen.
  • 2. After that, in the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • 3. At last, choose 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

Step 2: Connect a storage drive to the Windows computer and copy the important files and paste them to the device.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

2. Backup Files in Windows Safe Mode via CMD

Step 1: Enter Windows Safe Mode with CMD.

For Windows 7: Follow 1&2 in step 1(Way1) above and choose Safe Mode with CMD in the advanced boot options screen.

For Windows 10/8: Follow 1&2 in step 1(Way1) and select 6 or F6 lastly.

Step 2: Execute the backup command in the CMD.
For example:
Back up all the data saved on F: drive to G: drive with: robocopy f:\ g:\ /e

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

How to Backup Files When Cannot Access Windows Safe Mode

Fail to boot your Windows computer in safe mode? Don't worry, you can still backup the wanted files with the help of software-iSunshare CloneGo which enables you to backup files completely without Windows OS.

What you need:
1. A USB drive and a data-storage device.
2. A workable Windows computer.
3. Windows Partition backup tool-iSunshare CloneGo.

Step 1: Install CloneGo in the workable Windows computer and insert a USB drive into the PC.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

Step 2: Launch the software and click Make Boot Disk to make a WinPE drive. After that, make PE files with Create PE in current system environment or Select WIM file to make PE. Then select the USB drive to burn the PE files into it.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

Step 3: Connect both WinPE drive and storage device to the Windows computer that you fail to enter its safe mode. And in the CloneGo's user interface, click Backup > select the partition where the critical data is saved to backup > choose the data-storage drive to store the backup data > click Start to backup files.

Can I transfer files in Safe mode

Finally, the backup file will be packed into an icg file which can be easily restored with the software's Restore function.

Related Articles:

  • How to Backup Files without Booting Windows 10/8/7
  • 3 Reliable Ways to Backup Important Files on your Computer
  • How to Backup External Hard Drive before Formatting in Windows
  • How to Backup and Restore Your Entire Windows 10 PC

Can you use a USB in safe mode?

USB works in safe mode usually. You should be able to use the flash drive in safe mode - try it and see what happens. It will either work or it won't.

Why can't I access a file in safe mode?

The folder ownership has changed. You do not have the appropriate permissions. The file is encrypted. The file is corrupted or the user profile is corrupted.

Can you download in safe mode?

Windows Installer will not work under Safe Mode, this means that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled in safe mode without giving a specific command using msiexec in command prompt.

What are the 3 types of safe mode?

Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to help troubleshoot issues..
Enable Safe Mode. ... .
Enable Safe Mode with Networking. ... .
Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt..