Reference tab is grayed out

Question

My reference link in word doc is gray and I can not add a reference

I have restarted-no luck.  Went to an another document that already had refeneces, no luck, still gray.   Paniced, have 2 papers due by midnight.....

Answer 1

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Office Community.

Start Word in safe mode following steps mentioned below and verify whether you References tab works.

* Hold Windows key + R.

* Copy and paste, or type the following command in the Open box, and then press Enter

Winword /safe

Note: There is a space between Winword and '/'

If Word works as expected in safe mode, disable the add-ins by following steps mentioned below and determine the problem causing add-in:

a) Click on File menu, click Options, Add-ins, Go button besides Manage: Com-in Add.

b) Check if there are add-ins listed, clear the checkbox.

c) Close the Office program and restart it.

d) Disable each add-in one at a time, restart the Word, and repeat the above procedure. If the issue reappears again, it will help you to determine which add-in is causing this issue.

You may also refer to the article below and check if it helps.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/921541

If issue still persists  repair the Office suite following instructions mentioned in the article below and see if it helps:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/repair-office-programs-HA010357402.aspx

Hope it helps. Reply if you need more assistance and I'll be happy to help you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Thank you Vardhaman I had to do the repair and it works perfect.