Troubleshooting "Word Has Run into an Error" Message: Causes and Solutions
When using Microsoft Word, it is highly likely that you have experienced the disheartening message that “Word has run into an error.” This might happen at random times, bringing your work to a standstill and making it impossible to know how to move forward. Good news; however, this error can often be resolved within a few simple steps. In this piece, we shall discuss the various reasons you may encounter this problem in Word run into an error in office and the measures you can take to address it.
Common Causes of the “Word Has Run into an Error” Message
The “word has run into an error” alert can issue due to several factors. Some of the standard ones are:
Corruption of Document: When you are working on an already corrupted file, for example, in Microsoft Word, the program will be unable to open it or work on it, thus resulting in the error message.
Add-ins or Extensions: Errors can be generated by the software due to the installation of third-party Word add-ons or plugins and sometimes internal ones.
Software Outdated: Errors can be experienced when using an old version of Ms. Word or Ms. Office in general due to conflicts in operation.
Corrupt Normal.dotm Template: The Normal.dotm file is the standard template of the Word application. Conversely, when this file is soiled, it becomes impossible to open the application, and it also becomes useless for any other functions.
Faulty Installation: Installing the Word application or office package faults can cause many issues, including this one.
Other Conflicting Programs: Other applications, mostly those that have something to do with security, might cause Word to freeze or stop working.
Inadequate System Resources: Windows can be resource-hungry in that when the memory (RAM) or even the CPU is low or on a slim side, it can cause Word to misbehave particularly on opening or editing large or complicated files.
Quick Solutions to fix "Word Has Encountered a Problem" Error
Below are a few options you may use to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Restart Word as well as the Computer
Last but not least, sometimes the most straightforward answer is the one that works the most. Close Word application and reboot your computer. This might help in removing any temporary files or processes which may be dictating the fault.
2. Update Microsoft Word
Make sure you have updated versions of Microsoft Word as well as office. Any version may render some functions inapplicable due to the user’s attempts to use some features.
Windows: Go to Word > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Mac: Launch Word and then click on Help > Click on Check for Updates.
Performing Software Update might also fix errors that are responsible for the appearance of the error message.
3. Disable Add-ins
Add-ins can sometimes give trouble with Word applications as long as they are out of date or incompatible with the particular version of the program.
To turn off the additional tools please follow these steps:
Launch Word in Safe Mode by holding down the Ctrl key whilst starting Word (this prevents any add-ins from loading).
If successfully opened in Word SaFe mode, click on File, then Options and then the Add-ins section. Disable any add-ins that look unnecessary and or suspicious then restart Word.
4. Repair Microsoft Office
For its users, Microsoft offers a straightforward method of repairing its Office programs, a method that repairs damaged files or settings.
Windows: Click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office and click on “Change”. Next, select either Quick Repair or Online Repair option.
Mac: If the repair option cannot be found, either use the ‘Repair Disk’ function Available in the Mac OS Disk Utility or else reinstall Office applications.
5. Change the Filename or Restore
Normal.dotm File to Defaults
In case the problem is related to word default template (Normal.dotm) them naming it to something else, this may prompt Word to generate a new, un damaged Normal.dotm.
For Windows: Go to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates and change the name of Normal.dotm to Normal.dotm.old For Mac; Refer to
~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates and change the name of Normal.dotm.
A reboot of the word program is expected to recreate Normal.dotm and hence may fix the problem.
6. Confirm If There is Any Software
That Is Interfering With Word
There are times when other applications running on your PC may clash with Word, for instance, an anti-virus, some firewall settings, or simply other tools that run on the system.
Turn off the antivirus or firewall for the moment and check whether the problem still persists.
Tidy up background applications to improve the availability of system resources.
7. Start Word In Safe Mode
When you run Word in Safe Mode you can ascertain whether the problem was caused by some custom settings or add-ins. Safe Mode opens Word with the necessary components only.
Steps on how you can start Word in Safe Mode:
Windows: Press the Ctrl key while launching Word, or enter winword /safe in the Run box (press Win + R to access).
Mac: Service not available in Mac OSX. However, you may attempt the same by switching your Mac into a safe mode (restart your Mac but keep the Shift key pressed).
However, if running Under Safe Mode the Word works perfectly then it can be possible that the problem is with either custom settings or templates or add-ons.
8. Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Office Installer
In the case you do not have any of the aforementioned options, then the problem could be with the way you installed Microsoft Office. To rectify the situation, uninstall and reinstall the application such that all files and configurations are re-initialized.
Windows: control panel -> uninstall a program. Select Microsoft office and click “Remove”.
In Conclusion
If you’ve got hassle in following these methods, then we propose you pick a Technical Support from us that will help you better. I am positive they’ll come up with nice answers to clear up this “We’re sorry however Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint has run into an error” completely. You also can go to our website for extra information.
