Safe mode is very hard to get to on windows 8
No apparent malware visible, so I would suggest a system file check
Open an elevated command prompt http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2754-elevated-command-prompt-open-windows-8-a.html
In the black box that opens type the following and press enter :
sfc /scannow
On completion reboot and let me know what problems you are experiencing