microsoft word error

Question

a notification popped once stating part of the app has been blocked some features of microsoft word may not work because we cant confirm who published sppc.dll that the app tried to load

Answer 1

Are you seeing any other messages, maybe related to Office or Windows activation?

Answer 2

Hi!

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

This error sppc.dll suggests that Windows or Microsoft Word blocked a DLL (dynamic-link library) because it could not verify its digital signature or publisher.

Can you tell me exactly where does this error appears, does it appear when you open Word, opening a file, typing, inserting an image or something else? Also, can you recall what are recent changes to your computer before this error appeared like did you recently install something or updated windows perhaps?

Answer 3

The message indicates that Word blocked loading the file sppc.dll because it could not verify its publisher. This is part of Office’s security protections against potentially unsafe add-ins, templates, or DLLs.

To address this and restore functionality:

1. Start Word in Safe Mode to check add-ins
   1. Press Windows key, type Run, and open the Run dialog.
   2. Type winword /safe and press Enter.
   3. If Word opens and works normally in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by an add-in or extension that loads a DLL such as sppc.dll.
2. Disable suspicious or problematic add-ins
   1. While Word is still in Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
   2. In the Manage box, select COM Add-ins (or Word Add-ins if relevant), then select Go.
   3. Uncheck one add-in at a time and select OK.
   4. Close Word, then reopen it normally (not in Safe Mode) and test.
   5. If Word works, the last add-in unchecked is likely the cause. Leave it disabled or remove it, or check the add-in vendor’s site for an updated version.
   6. If Word still shows the warning, repeat the process and uncheck other add-ins one by one until the problem stops.
3. Repair Office if the problem persists If disabling add-ins does not resolve the issue, repair the Office installation:
   1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features (Windows 10) or Installed apps (Windows 11).
   2. Find the Microsoft Office product, select it, then choose Modify.
   3. Choose Online Repair > Repair to fully repair Office.

If Word continues to block sppc.dll even after add-ins are disabled and Office is repaired, leave it blocked. This behavior is by design to prevent untrusted components from loading. Only re-enable or trust a DLL if it is known to be from a legitimate, up-to-date Office component or a trusted add-in vendor.

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References:

• I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC
• "Something went wrong" error when you try to start a Microsoft 365 app
• Side effects after you apply April 2021 security updates for Office (KB5003251)
• Error message in Office when a file is blocked by registry policy settings