EXC_BAD_ACCESS error when trying too open Microsoft Office docs on new MacBook Air

Question

I have just purchased a new, 2022 version of MacBook Air. I transferred all data over from my old MacBook Air successfully.

I am logged into my Microsoft Office account on my new MacBook Air, but none of my existing docs will open, not will the programs open by themselves - I get a EXC_BAD_ACCESS ERROR each time.

I have reinstalled Office several times, and also shut down repeatedly, with nothing fixing it.

How can I fix this? Thanks

Answer 1

Hi

Did you use Apple's Migration Assistant to move your Applications to your new Mac?

If you attempted a manual transfer, you will find that's impossible. There are hundreds of files you can overlook.

I suggest you start over.

Uninstall Office for Mac - support.microsoft.com

After you uninstall, use this installer to install Office for Mac:

Office suite (with Teams)

Answer 2

Hi LucyPalmer1,

Thanks for the update.

I would be asking further questions and hopefully this would lead to a possible solution.

1. Did you get the same error as before in safe mode?
2. How did you transfer the files to the new Mac?
3. Do newly created Office files work fine?
4. Do you still have access to those files on your old Mac? if yes please transfer any of those file using a flash drive to the new mac and see if it opens fine.

Please provide a screenshot of the error message, as you could be leaving out a vital piece.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further.

Best Regards,

Daniel

Answer 3

Hi Daniel - I have restarted in safe mode, and it still isn't working.

Answer 4

Hi Daniel - thanks for replying!

To answer some of your questions (I hope!):

• I have logged into to Microsoft account and it shows that I pay for Microsoft 365 family. it worked fine on my old MacBook Air, its has only been trying to access files on my new one.
• it was initially only happening on Excel, then when I reinstalled Microsoft 365, I now cannot access Powerpoint and Word as well. (I can access teams, however, although with a different corporate login).
• I haven't tried booting in safe mode, but will try your suggestions on how to do that now and report back.

Lucy

Answer 5

Hi LucyPalmer1,

I'm Daniel and I'd be happy to help you out with your question.

Firstly, I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

I would like to ask further questions to narrow down the issue.

• What version of Office are you running on the Mac? eg office 365, Office 2021 etc
• Is this issue specific to a certain office file? eg Do Excel or PowerPoint files work fine?

-- Lastly, have you tried booting in safe mode? see if the issue persists in safe mode. You can follow these steps if you haven't tried already. (Apple silicon)

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”
4. Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again. Then if you get the same error when trying to open existing Office files.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

'Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.'

Also, can you send a screenshot of the full error message as this can help to further narrow down the issue.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further.

Best Regards,

Daniel