windows cannot find 'c:\program files\microsoft office\root\office16\winword.exe' make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

Question

Hi

I am unable to open any office applications due to unknown reasons. I tried running from the root folder and i still get the same error.

Error: Windows cannot find 'c:\program files\microsoft office\root\office16\winword.exe' make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

Tested all the apps such as EXCEL, PPT, WORD and ETC. All of them have the same kind of error.

Tried the solutions such as:

• online repair
• uninstall office 365
• reinstall office 365
• use microsoft scanner to scan for corrupted files/virus

Please advise thank you.

Answer 1

Hi, 

I have tried the solution you gave me but still none works. Really have no idea what is the problem that caused this error to keep appear. Did the third option and still same error. No changes at all. Please advise. Really need my Microsoft Word to work.

Answer 2

Hello,

You may sometimes get the "Windows cannot find c:\program files\microsoft office\root\office16\winword.exe" error due to missing updates. To isolate the issue, we'll need to know which version and OS build of Windows 10 your computer is currently running. To find out, just enter winver on the Cortana search field.

Meanwhile, you may try checking for and installing Office updates, and see if it will solve the issue.

We're looking forward to your response.

Answer 3

Hello,

You may sometimes get the "Windows cannot find c:\program files\microsoft office\root\office16\winword.exe" error due to missing updates. To isolate the issue, we'll need to know which version and OS build of Windows 10 your computer is currently running. To find out, just enter winver on the Cortana search field.

Meanwhile, you may try checking for and installing Office updates, and see if it will solve the issue.

We're looking forward to your response.

Hello,

My computer is running Version 1709 (OS Build 16299.192) windows 10.

I am able to open Publisher, OneNote and Access. Followed the instruction to update through any apps. Still not working. I am still getting same error for Excel, PPT, Outlook and Word. I have tried Quick Repair and also online repair.

Answer 4

Thanks for the update. See the suggestions on this thread link especially the one that was marked as answer, and see if it helps.

Let us know if you need further help.

Answer 5

We appreciate your response. We advise that you try uninstalling and reinstalling Office again using the "easy fix" from the second option on the link below. If the issue persists, try the third option on the same link which is uninstalling Office manually:

Uninstall Office from a PC

Feel free to reach out if you require further assistance.