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Home > Knowledge Base > UBQ000277: Accessing the Advanced Boot Options Menu in Windows Server 2012

UBQ000277:  Accessing the Advanced Boot Options Menu in Windows Server 2012 and Later

UBQ ID Number: UBQ000277
Last Modified: 2015-03-13

Summary:

NOTE: The information contained in this article was taken from a Dell knowledge base article.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN164148/ro

 

This document explains how to access the advanced boot options menu in Windows Server 2012 and later This is replacement for the deprecated F8 boot option.

 

In previous versions of Windows Server, the preferred method of reaching the Advanced Boot Options menu was to press F8 immediately after the power-on self-test (POST) process completed. This often required numerous attempts and rapid pressing of the F8 key. Windows Server 2012 and later boots significantly more quickly than previous versions, making it difficult to press F8 at the correct time.

Details:

Method 1: Shift-Restart

  1. Open the Power menu by normal means, such as via the Settings charm.

  2. Hold down the Shift key and select Restart.

 

shift-click-restart.jpg

Fig. 1 - Shift Restart.

 

  1. Select a reason for restarting the server and click Continue.

 

choose-reason.jpg

Fig. 2 - Choose reason for reboot.

 

  1. Windows will shut down. At the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.

 

choose-opt.jpg

Fig. 3 - Choose Troubleshoot option.

 

  1. Select Startup Settings on the Advanced options screen, then click Restart.

 

adv-opt.jpg

Fig. 4 - Advanced Options Startup Settings.

 

startupsettings.jpg

Fig. 5 - Click restart.

 

  1. The server will POST and boot into the Advanced Boot Options menu.

 

bootoptions.jpg

Fig. 6 - Advanced Boot Options - DSRM.

 

Method 2: Shutdown.exe /r /o

  1. Open an elevated command prompt on the server.

  1. Type shutdown /r /o to restart Windows.

 

commandprompt.jpg

Fig.6 - Elevated command prompt

 

NOTE: The /o switch is new in Windows Server 2012 and later and can only be used in conjunction with the /r switch.

 

  1. The server will boot to the Choose an option screen. Follow steps 4-6 above to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.