Windows 7: Safe Mode crashes after displaying logon screen

After attempting to start my PC in Safe Mode to uninstall a graphics driver, it loaded drivers normally only to crash a few seconds after displaying the logon screen, which immediately caused the computer to load Windows normally. This error has been repeated countless times with the same result.

I have only tried to start up 'normal' Safe Mode. Sometimes key strokes are accepted (one time I had enough time to start inputting my password), but mostly, Safe Mode loads drivers, flashes the logon screen, and crashes.

Any ideas/advice? I have had this computer for 3 years now and this is the first time I have tried to start it in Safe Mode. If it matters, it's a Studio 1737, 8 GB ram, etc., more details can be provided if necessary.

My first suggestion would be to check system files. There are some generic drivers in use in safe mode that aren't normally called on and one could have been corrupted, if you are able to still boot normally it's a logical first step anyhow.
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
(do the way that fixes, not the way that just scans, it's all detailed in the link)

Thanks for the tip, but SFC did not turn up any issues, and the problem still persists. The obvious solution is to reinstall Windows, but that is a last-ditch scenario. Somebody somewhere must have an idea of the reasoning behind this issue - I can't imagine this is rare enough problem to not have happened to at least a few other people, though from the lack of information on this topic, I'd say it is a rare situation indeed.

My friend speculated that I might have some malware or otherwise unfriendly software that crashes Safe Mode on purpose to keep me from potentially uncovering it. Is this even a possibility?

I suppose the next step is to troubleshoot Safe Mode-dependent files individually, but that will be a pain in the butt. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Try Windows Defender Offline and see if it finds any malicious items. It runs outside Windows, so you do not need Windows to be working to scan the system.

If you cannot get Windows Defender Offline to work, peruse through Free Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List