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Troubleshoot installing Office. The issues you encounter when trying to install Office 365, or Office 2019, 2016 or 2013 and how you fix them depends on whether your product is part of an Office for home or Office for business plan. In addition, with Office for business plans only admins responsible for managing Office 365 in their organization can do certain tasks. How To Run Microsoft Project On Mac. Last Updated. The Microsoft Office installation will then begin. You thus get the best of both worlds – MS Project running on your Mac while being able to access all if your Mac applications and documents whenever you want. Jun 24, 2019 When Microsoft Office slows down, showing you spinning wheels and requiring long wait times, it breaks your flow and concentration, ultimately affecting your productivity. Thankfully, there are a few proven ways to speed up Microsoft Office on your Mac, and most of them are as simple as tidying up.
- Problems Installing Microsoft Office 2008 For Mac
- Can't Install Microsoft Office On Mac
- Updating Microsoft Office On Mac
Note
Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.
Note
If you experience specific issues when you use Word, visit the Word help center to search for information about your issue.
Summary
This article describes how to troubleshoot problems that may occur when you start or use Microsoft Word. Use the following methods in the order in which they are presented. If you try one of these methods and it does not help, go to the next method.
Resolution
Verify or install the latest updates
You might have to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. Installing any important, recommended, and optional updates can frequently correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities. To install the latest Microsoft Office updates, see Update Office and your computer with Microsoft Update.
For list of the latest Office updates, see Office Updates. If your issue is not resolved after you install the latest Windows and Office updates, go to method 2.
It's a good idea to make sure that your computer has the latest updates installed for Windows. Updates often fix software problems. Before you use any of the following methods, try first to install updates. After you install the updates, restart your computer, and then start Word.
Troubleshoot problems that occur when you start Word
Important
Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.
Method 1: Insert your document into another file
The final paragraph mark in a Word document contains information about the document. If the document is damaged, you may be able to retrieve the text of the document if you can omit this final paragraph mark.
To access a document but leave its final paragraph mark behind, follow these steps:
- On the File menu, click New and then click Blank Document.
- On the Insert tab, click Object in the Text group, and then click Text from File.
- Select the file that you want to open and insert, and then click Insert.
Method 2: Start Word by using the /a switch
The /a switch is a troubleshooting tool that is used to determine where a problem may exist in Word. The /a switch prevents add-ins and global templates from being loaded automatically. The /a switch also locks the settings files to prevent it from being read or modified. To start Word by using the /a switch, follow these steps:
- Type Run in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- In the **Run **dialog box, type winword /a, and then press Enter.
For more information about the /a switch, go to the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
826857 Description of the '/a' startup switch in Word
If the problem does not occur when you start Word by using the /a switch, try the next method to determine the source of the problem.
Method 3: Delete the Word Data registry subkey
Most of the frequently used options in Word are stored in the Word Data registry subkey. A common troubleshooting step is to delete the Word Data registry subkey. When you restart Word, the program rebuilds the Word Data registry key by using the default settings.
Note When you delete the Word Data registry subkey, Word resets several options to their default settings. For example, Word resets the 'most recently used file' list on the File menu. Also, Word resets many settings that you customize in the Options dialog box.
Important
Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.
To delete the Word Data registry subkey, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are using:Word 2016HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordDataWord 2013HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordDataWord 2010HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordDataWord 2007HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordDataWord 2003HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordData
- Click Data, and then click Export on the File menu.
- Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
- On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
- Exit Registry Editor.
- Start Word.
Problems Installing Microsoft Office 2008 For Mac
If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem (a damaged Word Data registry key). You may now have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word.
If the problem is not resolved, restore the original Word Data registry subkey, and then try the next method.
Restore the original Word Data registry key
Can't Install Microsoft Office On Mac
To restore the original Word Data registry subkey, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Double-click the Wddata.reg icon on the desktop.
- Click Yes, and then click OK.
If restoring the Word Data registry subkey doesn't work, go to the next procedure.
Method 4: Delete the Word Options registry key
The Word Options registry key stores options that you can set in Word. These settings are divided into default and optional groups. Default settings are created during the program setup. Optional settings are not created during setup. You can change both the default and optional settings in Word.
To delete the Word Options registry key, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:Word 2016HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordOptionsWord 2013HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordOptionsWord 2010HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordOptionsWord 2007HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordOptionsWord 2003HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordOptions
- Click Options, and then click Export on the File menu.
- Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
- On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
- Exit Registry Editor.
- Start Word.
If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem (a damaged Word Options registry key). You may now have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word.
If the problem is not resolved, restore the original Word Options registry key, and then try the next method.
To restore the original Word Options registry key
To restore the original Word Options registry key, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Double-click the Wdoptn.reg icon on the desktop.
- Click Yes, and then click OK.
Method 5: Replace the Normal.dot or Normal.dotm global template file
You can prevent formatting, AutoText, and macros that are stored in the global template file from affecting the behavior of Word and any documents that you open. To do this, replace the global template file.
Important
This method includes renaming the global template file so that Word does not find it as expected when it restarts. This forces Word to re-create the global template file. By doing this, you save the original file in case you have to restore it. Be aware that when you rename the global template file, several settings are reset to their defaults, including custom styles, custom toolbars, macros, and AutoText entries. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you save the global template file and do not delete it.
Additional note In certain situations, you may have more than one global template file. For example, this occurs if multiple versions of Word are running on the same computer, or if several workstation installations exist on the same computer. In these situations, make sure that you rename each global template file so that it clearly reflects the appropriate Word installation.
To rename the global template file, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type cmd in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- At the command prompt, type the following command, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running, and then press Enter:Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, or Word 2007Word 2003
- At the command prompt, type exit, and then press Enter.
- Start Word.
If Word starts correctly, you have resolved the problem. In this case, the problem is a damaged global template file. Now, you may have to change several settings to restore your favorite options.
Note
The old global template file may contain customizations that can't be easily re-created. These customizations may include styles, macros, and AutoText entries. In this case, you may be able to copy the customizations from the old global template file to the new global template file by using the Organizer. For more information about how to use the Organizer to copy macros and styles, press F1 in Word to open Microsoft Word Help, type rename macros in the Search box, and then click Search to view the topic.
If the problem is not resolved, restore the original global template file, and then go to the next section.
Restore the original global template file
To restore the original global template file, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type cmd in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- At the command prompt, type the following command, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running, and then press Enter:Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010 and Word 2007Microsoft word alternative keystrokes for mac. Word 2003
- Type exit, and then press Enter.
- Start Word.
Method 6: Disable the Startup folder add-ins
When you start Word, Word automatically loads templates and add-ins that are located in the Startup folders. Conflicts or problems that affect an add-in can cause problems in Word. To determine whether an item in a Startup folder is causing the problem, temporarily disable the registry setting that points to these add-ins.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Start Windows Explorer. Type windows ex in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- Type the following command in the address bar, as appropriate for the version of Word that you're running and its installation type, and then press Enter: Word 2016 Can i get old microsoft games for a mac.64-bit C2R installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officerootoffice16Startup32-bit C2R installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officerootoffice16Startup64-bit MSI installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officeoffice16Startup32-bit MSI installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officeoffice16StartupWord 201364-bit C2R installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officerootoffice15Startup32-bit C2R installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officerootoffice15Startup64-bit MSI installation:%programfiles%Microsoft Officeoffice15Startup32-bit MSI installation:%programfiles% (x86)Microsoft Officeoffice15StartupWord 2010%programfiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice14StartupWord 2007%programfiles%Microsoft OfficeOffice12StartupWord 2003%programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice11Startup
- Right-click one of the files that is contained in the folder, and then click Rename.
- After the file name, type .old, and then press Enter.ImportantMake a note of the original file name so that you can restore the file, if it is necessary.
- Start Word.
- If you can no longer reproduce the problem, you have found the specific add-in that causes the problem. If you must have the features that the add-in provides, contact the vendor of the add-in for an update.If the problem is not resolved, rename the add-in by using its original name, and then repeat steps 3 through 6 for each file in the Startup folder.
- If you can still reproduce the problem, type the following path in the address bar of Windows Explorer, and then click OK. For Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista%userprofile%AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWordStartupFor Windows XP%userprofile%Application DataMicrosoftWordStartup
- Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each file in this Startup folder.
If the problem is not resolved after you disable the Startup folder add-ins, go to the next method.
Method 7: Delete the COM add-ins registry keys
You can install COM add-ins in any location. Programs that interact with Word install COM add-ins. To determine whether a COM add-in is causing the problem, temporarily disable the COM add-ins by deleting the registry keys for the COM add-ins.
To delete the COM add-ins registry keys, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOfficeWordAddins
- Click Addins, and then click Export on the File menu.
- Name the file WdaddinHKCU.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
- On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
- Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOfficeWordAddins
- Click Addins, and then on the File menu, click Export.
- Name the file WdaddinHKLM.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
- On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click Yes.
- Exit Registry Editor.
- Start Word.
If the problem is resolved, you have determined that a COM add-in program is causing the problem. Next, you must determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem.
Determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem
To determine which COM add-in program is causing the problem, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Double-click the Wdaddin.reg icon on your desktop.
- Click Yes, and then click OK.
- Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:Word 2016, Word 2013, or Word 2010
- On the File menu, click Options.
- Click Add-Ins.
- In the Manage list, click COM Add-Ins, and then click Go.
Note If an add-in is listed in the COM Add-Ins dialog box, clear the add-in check box. If more than one add-in is listed, clear only one add-in check box at a time. This procedure helps determine which add-in is causing the problem.
4. Click OK to close the COM Add-Ins dialog box.
5. On the File menu, click Exit.Word 2007- Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word options.
- Click Add-ins.
- In the Manage list, click COM Add-ins, and then click Go.If an add-in is listed in the COM Add-Ins dialog box, click to clear the add-in check box. If more than one add-in is listed, click to clear only one add-in check box at a time. This procedure helps determine which add-in is causing the problem.
- Click OK to close the COM Add-Ins dialog box.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Exit Word.
- On the File menu, click Exit.
- Start Word.
If the problem is resolved when you start Word, you have determined which COM add-in is causing the problem. If you must have the features that the add-in provides, you must determine which add-in includes those features so that you can contact the vendor for an update.
If the problem is not resolved when you start Word, repeat steps 4 and 5 for each COM add-in that's listed until you determine which add-in is causing the problem.
To restore the COM add-ins, repeat step 4, but select the check box for each COM add-in that you want to restore.
Method 8: Change the default printer
To change the default printer, follow these steps:
- Exit all Office programs.
- Type regedit in the Search box (in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8) or in the Start Search box on the Start menu (in earlier versions of Windows), and then press Enter.
- Right-click Microsoft XPS Document Writer, and then click Set as default printer.
- Start Word.
If the problem is resolved after you start Word, you have determined that the printer is causing the problem. If this is the case, contact the vendor to see whether there is an update for the printer driver.
Microsoft Support options
If you can't resolve this problem, you can use Microsoft Support to search the Microsoft Knowledge Base and other technical resources for answers. You can also customize the site to control your search. To start your search, go to the Microsoft Support website.
Additional resources
If you experience specific issues when you use Word, go to the following websites to search for specific information about your program version:
-->Note
Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.
![Office Office](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125675259/478932917.jpg)
Symptoms
When you try to start Microsoft Excel for Mac, you receive the following error message:
Microsoft Excel has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Cause
This error may occur if one of the following conditions is true:
- The Excel preferences are corrupted.
- Programs that are running in the background are interfering with Excel for Mac.
- Application files are corrupted.
- A user account profile is corrupted.
Resolution
Updating Microsoft Office On Mac
To resolve this issue, try the following methods, in order, until the issue is resolved.
Method 1
Step 1: Quit all programs
You must quit all programs before you continue. To quit an application, select the application on the toolbar (top), and then select Quit. If you cannot quit an application or do not know how, hold down the Command and Option keys, and then press Esc on your keyboard. Select the application in the 'Force Quit Application' window, and then select Force Quit. Click Force Quit to quit the application.
When you are finished, click the red button in the upper-left corner and go to step 2.
Step 2: Remove your Excel preferences
- Quit all Microsoft Office for Mac applications.
- On the Go menu, click Home.
- Open Library. Note The Library folder is hidden in Mac OS X Lion. To display this folder, hold down the OPTION key while you click the Go menu.
- Open Preferences.
- Drag com.microsoft.Excel.plist to the desktop. If you cannot locate the file, Excel is using the default preferences. Go to step 7.
- Open Excel, and check whether the problem still occurs. If the problem still occurs, quit Excel, restore the file to its original location, and go to the next step. If the problem is resolved, drag com.microsoft.Excel.plist to the Trash.
- Quit all Office for Mac applications.
- On the Go menu, click Home.
- Open Library.NoteThe Library folder is hidden in Mac OS X Lion. To display this folder, hold down the OPTION key while you click the Go menu.
- Open Preferences.
- Open Microsoft, and then drag com.microsoft.Excel.prefs.plist to the desktop. If you cannot locate the file, Excel is using the default preferences. Go to step 13.
- Open Excel, and check whether the problem still occurs. If the problem still occurs, quit Excel, restore the file to its original location, and go to Method 2. If the problem is resolved, drag com.microsoft.Excel,prefs.plist to the Trash.
Method 2
Use the 'Repair Disk Permissions' option
You can use the Repair Disk Permissions option to troubleshoot permissions problems in Mac OS X 10.2 or later versions. To use the Repair Disk Permissions option, follow these steps:
- On the Go menu, click Utilities.
- Start the Disk Utility program.
- Click the primary hard disk drive for your computer.
- Click the First Aid tab.
- Click Repair Disk Permissions.
Note
The Disk Utility program only repairs software that is installed by Apple. This utility also repairs folders, such as the Applications folder. However, this utility does not repair software that is in your home folder.
Open Excel and check if the issue is resolved. If it is not, continue to Method 3.
Method 3
Create and use a new user account
To create a new user account, use the following procedure.
Note
You many have to reinstall Office if you log on with a new account.
- Click the Apple icon, and then click System Preferences.
- Click Accounts.
- Click the plus sign ('+') in the lower-left corner to open the new account window.Note Bullet.If you are not the Administrator of the computer, click Click the lock to make changes. Log on by using your Administrator user name and password, and then click OK.
- Type the word Test for the user name, and leave the password box blank. Click Create Account. When you receive a warning, click OK.
- Click to select Allow User to Administer this computer. (If this option is not available, just go to the next step).
- Click the Apple icon, and then click Log Out name.
- Log on with your Test account.
Open Excel and check if the issue is resolved. If you can save when you use a new user account, contact Apple support to troubleshoot your existing account. If you do not want to keep your existing account, you can rename the 'Test' account that you create in the following procedure, and continue to use that account. If it is not, continue to Method 4.
Method 4
Remove and then reinstall Office
For information about how to remove and then reinstall Office, see the following article:
Third-party disclaimer information
The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.
The information and the solution in this document represent the current view of Microsoft Corporation on these issues as of the date of publication. This solution is available through Microsoft or through a third-party provider. Microsoft does not specifically recommend any third-party provider or third-party solution that this article might describe. There might also be other third-party providers or third-party solutions that this article does not describe. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, this information should not be interpreted to be a commitment by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot guarantee or endorse the accuracy of any information or of any solution that is presented by Microsoft or by any mentioned third-party provider.