Strange Issue w/ Safe Mode in Vista Ultimate 64

[wcladley]

Hello,

I am running Windows Vista Ultimate 64 and have noticed a strange issue when looking at the Start-up procedures via msconfig. The system is starting in Selective startup mode with "Load System Services" and "Load StartUp Items" checked. When I select Normal Startup, the system boots into Safe Mode. If I select "Normal Startup" and uncheck "safe boot" in the Boot tab, then "Selective startup" is re-selected in the General tab.

I see there has been another post on this issue but the answer was that this behavior is unproblematic. What is troubles me is that I did not configure the system to do this, and I am wondering if this is evidence of a malware infection. My system registers as virus and malware free (via Microsoft Security Essentials and SuperAntiSpyware), but I am looking for an expert opinion on the matter.

Or was Vista Ultimate designed to boot this way?

NOTE: System performance outside of this issue has been trouble free and lightning quick.

Thanks very much for any assistance offered.