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