Can't use Microsoft Equation 3.0 on Word 2013 and Click-to-Run crash

I was attempting to use Equation 3.0 for the first time this summer earlier today.  The exact same issues that Christian experienced happened to me.  The same problem showed up in application safe that occurred earlier.  If I attempt to repair the Office 2013 installation, Office Click-to-Run crashes.  Has anyone determined a solution to this problem?

Equation 3.0 is GREAT.  I would not like to lose the ability to edit hundreds of old documents.

I

After searching various forums for a solution to this problem, and failing to find any straightforward, reliable solution, I tried a different angle, and found a simple fix.  Before I begin to explain the solution, however, let me be clear about the problem I'm trying to solve:

Statement of the Problem:  Those of us who have spent years creating equations in documents using Equation 3.0 need and want to be able to continue to edit these, and not be required to recast these equations using Micosoft's new and different Equation editing function.  Office 2013 does not seem to support this in any reliable way.  The solutions offered by Microsoft staffers and moderators seems to involve attempts to repair, or even remove and reinstall Office 2013, in combination with downloading and installing semi-obsolete compatibility packs.  The results reported in these forums have been inconsistent.

Proposed Solution:  Download and install MathType: 

https://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/

or

https://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/trial.asp

Remember MathType?  If you've been using Equation 3.0 for long, you will doubtless remember a dialog box that - in some versions of Office - would pop up whenever you started to edit an equation, suggesting that MathType offers enhanced equation editing functionality, and asking whether you'd like to learn more.  If you're like me, you've always said "don't bother me; I'm busy editing this equation..." and clicked through it.  I don't know the history, but apparently, the folks at MathType developed Equation 3.0 for Microsoft, before an unexplained parting of ways....  In any case, the MathType software has continued to evolve, and remains completely compatible with Office 2013 and - more important - all your beloved Equation 3.0 objects.  You have to pay for MathType, but you can download a free trial version, and - well, let the folks at MathType explain:

*"*What to expect after installing MathType

You will have 30 days in which to enjoy all of the features of MathType. If you do not purchase MathType within 30 days, it will become MathType Lite. This is exactly like Equation Editor, with the bonus of MathType's fonts and symbols, which you may use with our compliments...."

Results:  I'm just one user, and this report is preliminary, but I found that after deciding to download and install the free trial version of MathType, I was happily editing my old equations in minutes.  I will play with it for a while, just to be sure, but if it continues to work this well, I will gladly pay the $97 to purchase the product, and express my appreciation to the folks at MathType for saving me from the agony of re-typsetting hundreds of equations.

On my system, Microsoft Equation 3 is working even after the most recent updates (both click-to-run and traditional MSI). Which specific version (release number) of Office are you using? Is this a click-to-run or MSI installation?

One hour ago new update of Word 2013 was installed and I lost Equation Editor 3.0. The same story took place some time ago but new update changed situation. How long should I suffer because of these strange "experiments"?

Hi Cristian,

Let us start Word in application safe and then try inserting equations and check how it works.

To do that, press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.

In the Run open box type in ‘Winword /safe’ and hit ok.

Note: There is a space between Winword and /.

If application safe works, you may disable the Add-ins associated with the application and check if it helps. For more information on the same, refer to the following link.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921541

If issue persists, you may repair the Office 2013 installation and check if it helps in resolving the issue.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-in/project-help/repair-or-remove-office-HA010357402.aspx

Follow the steps and let us know if that helps. If the issue persists, reply and we will be happy to help you.

Thank you.