Working with Office Safe Modes

Microsoft Office 2007 uses two types of safe modesAutomated and User-Initiated (New!)when it encounters a program problem. When you start an Office 2007 program, it automatically checks for problems, such as an extension not properly loading. If the program is not able to start the next time you try, the programs starts in Automated Safe mode, which disables extensionsmacros, ActiveX controls, and add-insand other possible problem areas. If you're having problems and the Office program doesn't start in Automated Safe mode, you can start the program in User-Initiated Safe mode. When you start an Office program in Office Safe mode, not all features are available. For instance, templates can't be saved, AutoCorrect list is not loaded, Smart tags are not loaded, preferences cannot be saved, restricted permission (IRM) can't be used, and all command-line options are ignored except /a and /n. Before you can use Office Safe mode, you need to enable it in the Trust Center. When you're in safe mode, you can use the Trust Center to find out the disabled items and enable them one at a time to help you pin point the problem.

Enable Safe Mode

Click the Office button, and then click PowerPoint Options.

In the left pane, click Trust Center.

Click Trust Center Settings.

In the left pane, click ActiveX Settings.

Select the Safe Mode (Helps limit the control's access to your computer) check box.

Click OK.

Click OK.

See Also

See "Diagnosing and Repairing Problems" on page 28 for information on fixing problems with a Microsoft Office 2007 program.

Start User-Initiated Safe Mode

Click the Start button on the taskbar, point to All Programs, and then click Microsoft Office.

Press and hold Ctrl, and then click Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007.

Did You Know?

You can use the Run dialog box to work in Safe mode. At the command prompt, you can use the /safe parameter at the end of the command-line to start the program.

View Disabled Items

Click the Office button, and then click PowerPoint Options.

In the left pane, click Add-ins.

Click the Manage list arrow, and then click Disabled Items.

Click Go.

In the dialog box, you can select an item, click Enable to activate and reload the add-in, and then click Close.