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Word crashes when using "Track Changes" in a document that uses WebDAV

MJSW 10 Reputation points
2023-05-17T09:45:40.5533333+00:00

When a user opens a remote document via WebDav, it works fine until Track Changes is enabled. From then, anything done in Word (from editing to just scrolling) causes Word to slow down and eventually crash.

This is happening for a tiny handful of users in a large userbase, with different versions/channels of Word. There is no obvious pattern. I am working on the assumption it is a Windows User Profile issue, as other users on teh same machine don't experience the issue.

Removing normal.dotm does not help. The size of the file is also not to blame, as small test documents cause the same problem.

Is there a known issue? Or any good way to troubleshoot this?

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
11,195 questions
Office
Office
A suite of Microsoft productivity software that supports common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, and data management and analysis.
1,479 questions
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  1. Limitless Technology 44,121 Reputation points
    2023-05-18T15:46:18.08+00:00

    Hello!

    If you've been having trouble with Microsoft Word crashing when using "Track Changes" in a document that uses WebDAV, I've got some tips that might help.

    First, try disabling any antivirus or security software running on your computer. Sometimes these programs can interfere with Office applications and cause crashes. After disabling the antivirus software, restart Word and see if the issue persists.

    You should also make sure that your WebDAV client software is up to date. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest version of the client and install any available updates. Outdated or incompatible WebDAV client software can cause compatibility issues with Office applications.

    Another thing you can try is clearing the Office cache. To do this, close all Office applications, including Word, and then press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Enter the following command: %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0. In the folder that opens, delete the contents of the "OfficeFileCache" folder. Then restart Word and test if the issue persists.

    If possible, try opening the document using a different WebDAV client application or a different version of the client. This can help determine if the issue is specific to the WebDAV client being used.

    If none of these steps work, consider repairing or reinstalling the WebDAV client software. Uninstall the existing client, restart your computer, and then install the latest version available from the manufacturer's website.

    Finally, try creating a new document or using a different document that uses WebDAV and enable "Track Changes." See if the issue occurs consistently with all documents or if it's specific to a particular document.

    And don't forget to keep your Office applications and operating system up to date with the latest patches and updates. These often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues.

    Hope this helps!