I have the Pro version of v4.7.1 and it boots me fine into Safe Mode with Networking.
When the program doesn't work as it should then it's generally down to something on the computer.
Let's try it in a clean boot.
Right click on the taskbar and select Task Manager, then under Start-up disable all items, then go Start and type msconfig and press enter when System Configuration comes up.
Under Services check the box to Hide all Microsoft services - Disable all - Apply - OK and reboot to see if the program does boot you into that mode.
To reinstate those services, go back into msconfig and check the button for Normal startup - OK and reboot.
If that works then re-enable one service at a time, reboot and see if the program does get you into that mode until it no longer does it.
If you find one that is the cause, then uncheck it and continue enabling the rest in turn.
If none of those are the cause, then do the same with the items under Start-up in the Task Manager.
What exactly is happening when you choose the safe mode option in the program ?