Starting Word in Safe Mode

You can add a switch to Microsoft Word that will open it in safe mode. Not only can this help with troubleshooting, it can help you avoid exploits that have not yet been patched by Microsoft.

You create a shortcut on your desktop and add the switch to that. When you click the shortcut, Word opens in safe mode.

Right-click on your desktop and select New>>Shortcut

In the Create Shortcut dialog box, click Browse

The default location for theWindows executable is as follows:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE"

Use the navigation box to that location. Click on WINWORD.EXE and click OK. The above path will appear in the New Shortcut windows surrounded by quotes. Leave the quotes.

Type a space and then enter the following (minus quotes): “/safe”

Click Next in the New Shortcut box. In the next window name your shortcut. I suggest calling it Safe Word or something easily distinguishable from other Word shortcuts.

Finally, click Finish. When you open word, you will see Safe Mode in the title bar. If you do not see this, you are not in Safe Mode. Some functions may be disabled.