can't open or copy word docs

Question

whenever I am trying to copy a word doc or open an attachment from an email I am getting this, ever since I did and update to my outlook.

Answer 1

Quick Fixes to Try First

Restart your computer - Many Office issues resolve after a full reboot

Repair Office installation:

Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Find Microsoft Office > Click Modify > Choose "Quick Repair"

If that fails, try "Online Repair"

If Documents Won't Open

Reset File Associations

Right-click any Word document (.docx)

Select "Open with" > Choose Word

Check "Always use this app"

If Word isn't listed, browse to:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE

Safe Mode Troubleshooting

Press Win+R, type winword /safe and press Enter

If Word opens in safe mode, the issue is likely with:

Add-ins (disable them via File > Options > Add-ins)

Normal.dotm template (rename it to force recreation)

If You Can't Copy Documents

Check Clipboard Issues

Press Win+V to open clipboard history

Clear clipboard and try copying again

Temporary File Cleanup

Press Win+R, type %temp% and delete all files

Empty Recycle Bin

Advanced Solutions

Reset Office Settings

Close all Office apps

Run this command in Command Prompt (Admin):

cd %programfiles%\Microsoft Office\Office16

for /f %x in ('dir /b ..\root\office16*.exe') do (cmd /c %x /resetuserdata)

Complete Reinstall (Last Resort)

Uninstall Office via Control Panel

Download fresh copy from office.com

Reinstall with your Microsoft account

Prevention for Future

Disable automatic Outlook updates (File > Office Account > Update Options)

Keep regular backups of important documents in OneDrive/Google Drive