Use Word Safe Mode to Avoid Computer Infection

A new security loophole has surfaced in Microsoft Word 2002 and greater that could leave your computer open to any number of attacks. Microsoft acknowledged the threat today and explained a work around that does not immediately fix the problem, but would limit some of the effects if you were hit by a bug that exploited this vulnerability – run Microsoft Word in Safe Mode.

Running Word in safe mode is a little like running Windows in Safe Mode. It will restrict some of its higher-level functions such as integrating with Outlook as your email client.

People have reported that their computer started acting strangely when they opened a Word document they received in an email. Microsoft is working on a permanent patch for the problem, but admits that the fix may not be available until June 11th.