Office 2016 Mac- Double click won't open files

Hi

If you open the applications first and use File > Open to open your files, then your removal of Office 2011 was incomplete. 

Here's how to completely remove Office 2011https://github.com/pbowden-msft/Remove2011

Then, you may need to manually reset Finder so that when you double-click a file, the correct application opens. 

Change Default File Associations in Mac OSX - YouTube

Also, you may enjoy this video

Creativity goes on - YouTube

Hi Msja,

May I know if it is happening with all the existing Word and Excel file?

Please try stating your mac in safe mode and check if you can open Office files without any issue. To know how to start mac in safe mode, see Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

If the issue doesn't happen when your Mac is started in safe mode, try restarting without pressing any keys. If the issue doesn't come back, it was probably caused by a cache or directory issue with your startup disk, which safe mode fixed.

Let me know the status.

Thanks,

Neha

Present situation-

I restarted Mac in Safe Mode with no change in the issue.

I created a new User (admin level). Same issues with this User.

Turning off SIP (Mac's System Integrity Protection) with (Recovery Mode) Terminal then normal restart made no difference. 

I have done a fresh install of Mac Mojave OS (after running Disk First Aid from Recovery Mode) and applied all updates.

I have done a complete removal of Office 2011 (following MS support articles, not just moving Office 2011 to trash).

I have done a complete removal of Office 2016 (per MS support article, inc manual removal of the com.microsoft.... files, etc.). Also removed all Office 2016 licensing.

Then did a fresh download and reinstall of Office 2016 from my Microsoft account (pkg 16.16.20030700).

My Mac User (Admin) has read/write permission to MacintoshHD. Word documents are all associated (Get info, Open with) to open with Word. 

My current situation appears to be that Office does not recognize documents at the main/top level of my MacintoshHD (internal boot drive).  

Word will neither save documents to nor open documents from MacintoshHD. Save attempt results in "Word cannot complete due to file permission error'. Attempts to open Word documents on MacintoshHD result in "Directory name isn't valid" error message.  Word WILL open and save to the desktop and documents within a folder.

At least I have regained that functionality.

Strange thing is, I have been using Office 2016 for over 3 years without this issue.

I am now wondering if office 16.16.20 created this issue vs. prior builds?

Do not reply to Dane. That is an attempt to compromise your computer and steal your identity.

Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams