syntax error

Question

I just installed Microsoft office 2011 for macs on my computer with OS 10.6. When I open a document in Word I keep getting a syntax error and a compile error as well as two extra windows opening along with it. Once you close the windows, you can access the document as normal, but it's quite annoying to have to go through this process with each document opening. How to I get rid of this?

Answer 1

Hi Elizabeth:

That indication shows that the document or your Normal.dotm template contains a some computer programming code (a macro) that was probably written for the PC version of Word.

Fortunately, it is failing to run on your system, because if it did run, we're not sure what it would do, and it may be bad.

Let's try a quick fix.  This may solve the issue without having to get too technical.

We're going to delete a file named Normal.dotm, which may contain the code causing the problem.  First, we need to find it:

1.  In Word, go to Word>Preferences>File Locations.
2.  Highlight the entry "User Templates"
3.  Click "Modify"
4.  Drop down the disclosure arrows at the right end of the field at the top that says "User Templates".

That will show you a list of all the folders in which your User Templates folder resides.  You will see User Templates at the top, and the name of your computer at the bottom.

We're doing this because your User Templates can be literally 'anywhere', and because you have this indication, it is more likely that it won't be in the standard place.

I am picking that the list will look something like this:

/Users/<your name>/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates

In which case, you can copy the line above :-)  If your location is different, you need to type out all the entries in the list, separated with forward slashes, just as I showed it above. Then copy that instead.

1. Now, Quit Word (very important) and open the Finder.
2. Hit Command + Shift + G
3. Paste in the line you copied
4. Change <your name> to the name you use to login to the computer.
5. Click "Go".
6. Instantly the Finder will reveal your User Templates folder.
7. In there you will see a file named Normal.dotm.
8. Delete it.
9. Empty the trash.

If we get lucky, and you remember to empty the trash, that will instantly cure your problem.  Word will create a new Normal.dotm when you next start it.

If this does not cure your problem, feel free to use some rude words.

Then come back, and we will talk you through the steps needed to de-louse your documents.  Which is relatively simple, but laborious.  (Basically, we re-save each file making sure you set the "Type" to .docx.  You get a prompt warning that this will remove Visual Basic macros.  Say "Yes")

Hope this helps