Resolving Microsoft Word Problems

Once we know where to look as many Microsoft Word errors simply require the same fix.

Whenever persistent Microsoft Word Problems are encoutered the easiest fix is usually to delete the Normal.dot or Normal.docx if using Word 2007, this is the template that’s used whenever a new document is created.

If we delete the template the next time Word is launched it will automatically be created.

Normal.dot and Normal11.dot locations



Word 2002 or XP or 2003 C:\Documents and Settings\user profile\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

Word 2007search for normal.docx

Notes
You need to make sure your computer is set to view all files otherwise you won’t see the template as it will be hidden.

( to view all files - My Computer > View tab > Hidden files and folders > make sure Show hidden files and folders is selected )

Word needs to be closed or the file will be locked and cannot be deleted.

File locations above cover default locations, custom installations may use different file paths, if unsure of the location to the Normal.dot simply launch Word and from the tools menu, select option, file locations, user templates, this will then give you the location of your templates directory.

The next step is to launch Word in safe mode
This allows only a stripped down version of word to load, without any Macros or Add-ins, this is a good way to ascertain where the root of a problem is.

To launch in safe mode from the Start menu > Run > type Winword.exe /a

Does Word load correctly?
If so then the issue is simply a Word add in or macro

If you are sure that any Macros within Word on your computer can be trusted try lowering the macro security to see if this resolves the issue, some Macros simply may not have permission to run causing a problem, if this solves the issue you’ll need to setup the macro as a trusted source (remember to change the macro security level back to it’s original setting, find out how to change the macro level security at the bottom of the page)

From the Tools menu select Templates and Add-Ins and remove.

If Word still does not load correctly then the time has come for a repair, generally it’s better to run a repair across the whole of Office rather than just word, make sure you backup any macros or add-ins in other parts of Office such as Excel beforehand.

To run the Office repair we need to go to Add/Remove Programs which can be access from the Start menu > Control Panel > Add or remove Programs > now find your version of Microsoft Office > select change > now you will see 3 options the 2^nd should be Reinstall or Repair to its original state, start this and follow the prompts, you may need your Office CD to complete this.

Other than this the next step would be to completely Uninstall Office from the Add/Remove program and then reinstall from scratch thus giving a completely clean install.

For more help on Microsoft Word problems

Other causes of Microsoft Word Problems

Virus’s or spyware can cause havoc with Microsoft Word if given the opportunity, make sure your Spyware & Virus protection are in place and working.

Always make sure your Word security level is sufficient, this can be changed from Tools menu > Options > Security > Macro Security, this should be kept no lower than medium.

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