Safe Mode always appears: The workaround

[JimBrown 596]

From what I have read in the several threads about the new Safe Mode, for some users it appears every time they start MSFS. For others it does not. I am one of those where it does not appear.

However, on a hunch, and a couple of hints from those posting, it appears that those having the issue were using a desktop (or start menu) short cut to start MSFS. Whereas I was using the Steam client (system tray icon) to start MSFS.

So, I found the flightsimulator.exe file and created a shortcut for it on my desktop.

Sure enough, any time I started MSFS with the shortcut, I got the Safe Mode prompt. And any time I started MSFS using the client, I did not get the Safe Mode prompt.

So, my recommendation for now, until MS/Asobo fixes this issue, is to always start MSFS with the Steam Client or the MSStore (or XBox app) client. Do NOT use a desktop (or start menu) shortcut.

Also, how MSFS is shut down does not appear to make any difference. Using "Quit to Deskop", ALT-F4, or the red X, makes no difference.

...jim

PS. If someone could verify my findings with the MSStore (or XBox) client, I'd appreciate it. I only have the Steam version.

PPS. Using the Dev mode instructions also made no difference for me. Same behaviour.

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by JimBrown

[Bobsk8 12,743]

12 minutes ago, JimBrown said:

From what I have read in the several threads about the new Safe Mode, for some users it appears every time they start MSFS. For others it does not. I am one of those where it does not appear.

However, on a hunch, and a couple of hints from those posting, it appears that those having the issue were using a desktop (or start menu) short cut to start MSFS. Whereas I was using the Steam client (system tray icon) to start MSFS.

So, I found the flightsimulator.exe file and created a shortcut for it on my desktop.

Sure enough, any time I started MSFS with the shortcut, I got the Safe Mode prompt. And any time I started MSFS using the client, I did not get the Safe Mode prompt.

So, my recommendation for now, until MS/Asobo fixes this issue, is to always start MSFS with the Steam Client or the MSStore (or XBox app) client. Do NOT use a desktop (or start menu) shortcut.

Also, how MSFS is shut down does not appear to make any difference. Using "Quit to Deskop", ALT-F4, or the red X, makes no difference.

...jim

PS. If someone could verify my findings with the MSStore (or XBox) client, I'd appreciate it. I only have the Steam version.

PPS. Using the Dev mode instructions also made no difference for me. Same behaviour.

 

I always start MSFS with a shortcut, and never see that issue. 

[vgbaron 3,630]

I use a batch file shortcut to start several programs and MSFS (store) - no issues. I also exit "quit to desktop" and have never seen the safe mode prompt except on one occasion when the system hung and I hit CTRL F4 to close down the window. After a restart, hasn't come back.

[edpatino 1,965]

23 minutes ago, JimBrown said:

From what I have read in the several threads about the new Safe Mode, for some users it appears every time they start MSFS. For others it does not. I am one of those where it does not appear.

If the previous MSFS session ended up crashing the sim (or having a CTD) at your next start the Safe Mode Caution will appear, otherwise it won't appear.

I always get a CTD after leaving the SDK, and that's happening since SU5, and regretfully was not cured with WU6.

[hanhamreds 592]

I have the steam edition and start using a shortcut or through the steam client - I don’t get the safe mode prompt unless recovering from a crash.

 

so using a SC has absolutely nothing to do with safe mode appearing.

 

To the OP,  for furture reference you can create SC’s within the steam client interface 👍

[fppilot 4,371]

2 hours ago, JimBrown said:

So, my recommendation for now, until MS/Asobo fixes this issue, is to always start MSFS with the Steam Client or the MSStore (or XBox app) client. Do NOT use a desktop (or start menu) shortcut.

Perhaps this has to do with the Steam based installation.  I have an MS Store installation, I use a shortcut, and I am not experiencing the issue.  But for some reason I do not find a way to fully view or edit the target location of my shortcut.  That Target box is not accessible to me.  Odd.

What happens in your (plural) cases when you instead start Microsoft Flight Simulator from the Windows Start Menu?

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by fppilot

[Donka 645]

2 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

I always start MSFS with a shortcut, and never see that issue. 

I’m the same. Works fine with no safe mode prompt. 

[JYW 2,984]

Yep, using desktop here, with shortcut - never seen safe mode prompt.

[fppilot 4,371]

21 minutes ago, JYW said:

Yep, using desktop here, with shortcut - never seen safe mode prompt.

Did you see my post?  Can you edit your shortcut, should that be needed?  Seems strange.  Mine is working like yours, but what if I needed to recreate it at some point in time.  Just interested in hearing from you on that.

[JYW 2,984]

8 minutes ago, fppilot said:

Did you see my post?  Can you edit your shortcut, should that be needed?  Seems strange.  Mine is working like yours, but what if I needed to recreate it at some point in time.  Just interested in hearing from you on that.

No, same as you Frank.   I can't edit it either.

On one particular reinstall (I think after SU3), I never got a shortcut on the desktop after the install, and it took a heck of a lot of doing to get one! (Can't even remember how I eventually got it, but it was acting strange).

Edited September 9, 2021 by JYW

[fppilot 4,371]

21 minutes ago, JYW said:

No, same as you Frank.   I can't edit it either.

I find that rather strange.  Do not recall a shortcut since they first emerged that I could not edit.  That goes back a long time to when I would create and use my on shortcut icons.  Windows 98????

[joeantoniou 0]

I made a new installation before 2 days.....i fill up my community folder with all airports and landmarks i had and everything was ok. Then i installed FlByWire A320 and was also ok and after that i  download 4 new liveries for FΒW. Then the problems with the Safe Mode started. I delete them and everything was ok again

[JimBrown 596]

MS/Asobo have acknowledged the issue and have said it will be fixed in the hotfix due to be released next week. From the latest development update:

• Some users are receiving the Safe Mode pop up when launching the sim despite not having a crash.
  • This will be resolved in the upcoming hotfix.

...jim

 

[MrFuzzy 2,118]

14 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

I always start MSFS with a shortcut, and never see that issue. 

Same

[volmmer 0]

I can confirm the OPs issue.  Starting the sim from a start menu shortcut gives me the Safe Mode prompt every time.

Starting the sim from Steam does not.