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Remove compatibility mode !!!

Anonymous
2010-09-19T02:42:57+00:00

How do I remove 'compatibility mode'?

My documents, half completed, arbitariliy get locked into 'compatibility mode' and I am locked out of the doc!!

Obviously many people are aggravated by the same. What is the correct answer ???????

(I have right clicked on the doc icon> Properties etc: there is NO compatiblity box to check/ uncheck)

(I have right clicked on the application > Properties etc: there is NO compatiblity box to check/ uncheck)

Where is the 'Registry' to uncheck 'compatibility  mode'?

Please help urgently.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2010-09-19T03:05:14+00:00

Within Word 2007, 'compatibility mode' usually means that the document has been Saved As a .DOC in Word  97/2000/2003 format instead of the regular Word 2007 .DOCX format.

Reverting back should be as easy as Save As: either a Word Document or Word Macro Enabled Document, listed within the Save as type: dropdown.

If you are having trouble with that procedure, try starting Word in Safe Mode. With all instances of Word closed, click Start and type in winword /safe then press enter. Word will start with Microsoft Word (Safe Mode) in the title bar and no document. Click Office button, Open to locate and open your compatible document, then use the Save As command.

If you require more assistance, post back with the results to date and we'll try to assist.


  • If this proposed solution has resolved your issue(s), please return and mark it as Answered for others to consider.

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18 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-10-14T21:16:41+00:00

    This did not work for me. I also went into the C drive like the other one said to and there was nothing there matching that description to remove compatibility mode.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-10T15:34:06+00:00

    Save as .docx worked for me. But the important thing to remember is to quit all instances of the Word and then open the .docx document. Otherwise, .docx will still (frustratingly) open in the so called useless compatibility mode.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-09-19T09:53:24+00:00

    You cannot remove compatibility mode. It indicates that your document, in its current format, may not be able to save everything you do. I agree completely that a UI option to do something about it should exist but we have to work with what we are given. The impact depends on document version and Word version. What version of Word are you using?

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-09-19T08:46:46+00:00

    It also suggests that you are using some incompatible third party add-in that only recognises .doc format and is forcing that option.

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