Word formatting query

Question

I had happily been completing information using word on a downloaded form over about four weeks.  I hadn't opened it for some weeks and now when I try to work on it again, from the Home screen the clipboard, font, paragraph, styles etc are greyed out.  When I download a blank form again from the source, the same happens. When I open a "new" word document, I don't have a problem.  I have tried saving in compatibility mode and other formats, but nothing has worked.  Looking for assistance.

Answer 1

If you send me a copy of the document, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

Answer 2

Dear DougRobertson6,

Thanks for participating in the Microsoft Community. I'm an Independent Advisor and I'll help you.

Doug, you could check "Restrict Editing>Formatting restrictions" configuration, see this document below:

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/allow-...

Document protection stops an end user from making changes to a Word document. It's typically turned on when sharing a document you want others to read, but not edit, but it can also be turned on by mistake. Confirm that document protection is off.

Do not hesitate to ask if you need more information.

I hope it has been useful to you.

Regards,

Renzo.

Answer 3

Hi Renzo,

Unfortunately I was unable to successfully follow your suggestions through.  Too complex for me.  However, fortunately I was able to use a work around, which allowed me to complete the document with consistent formatting.  That was my main objective.  Whilst I am still a bit annoyed I don't know what happened, I needed to move on.

Thank you though for taking the time in your attempt to assist me.

Regards,

Doug

Answer 4

Doug ok, I understand, let's verify this:

Check if Word has an "Add-ins" that could create this issue, so, run your Word in Safe Mode:

Find the shortcut icon for your Office application.

Press and hold the CTRL key and double-click the application shortcut.

Or with the keys combinations (Windows+R) open RUN and type: word /safe

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/open-o...

If doesn't work, open this address in the File Explorer:

C:\Users\User_Name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates.

Find "Normal.dotm" and move it to Desktop. Word will create a new Normal.dotm, then try open Word Again.

As a last option you could repair you Office installation:

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/repair...

Answer 5

Attention Renzo:  

rdazarola

Thank you Renzo for your reply. When I go into the form "Restrict Editing/stop protection a password is required.  The message is"This document is protected from unintentional editing. You may only fill in forms in this region".

As it is a form, I can understand it being protected, however over about 4 weeks whilst I was building my input, I had no trouble formatting my input - using bullets, font etc.  Having delayed for about two weeks when I went back in, the clipboard, font, paragraph, styles etc are greyed out.  Also I downloaded a fresh blank form and it has the same restriction.  

It seems to me that it is either a setting on my computer or an update from Microsoft that may have caused this.

If you have any other suggestions, then I will be glad to hear them.  It's annoying not to be able to resolve!  I have now a work around, but it's a second best approach.

Regards,

Doug Robertson