Problem with Insert Object in Word

Question

When I try to insert an object in Word 365 I click on Object and a dialog box opens for me to choose the file. I have a spinning icon and cannot select anything.

Answer 1

Hello VwmanTom,

I'm Shalom and I'd happily help you with your question. In this forum, we are Microsoft consumers just like yourself.

If you are facing an issue with the "Insert Object" function in Word 365, and the dialog box is not responding or showing a spinning icon, there could be several reasons for this problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your Microsoft Office suite, including Word, is up to date. Sometimes, bugs or issues are resolved in updates, and updating your software may fix the problem.
2. Restart Word and Your Computer: Close Word completely and then reopen it. If the issue persists, try restarting your computer as well. This can often resolve temporary glitches.
3. Check File Permissions: Make sure you have sufficient permissions to access the file you are trying to insert. If the file is on a network drive or a shared location, ensure you have the necessary rights to open it.
4. Try a Different File: Test if the issue is specific to a particular file. Try inserting a different file using the "Insert Object" function. If it works with other files, the problem might be related to the original file.
5. Check File Format Compatibility: Ensure that the file you are trying to insert is in a format supported by Word. For example, Word supports various formats such as PDF, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, etc.
6. Disable Add-ins: Sometimes, third-party add-ins or extensions in Word can cause conflicts and issues. Try disabling any add-ins you have installed and see if the problem persists.
7. Repair Office Installation: If the issue persists, you can try repairing your Office installation. To do this, go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features," find Microsoft Office in the list, right-click on it, and select "Change." Then, choose the "Repair" option.
8. Create a New User Profile: If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user profile on your computer and testing Word in that profile may help isolate the problem.

Best Regards, Shalom

Answer 2

Does Word freeze when you click the Browse button on the Create from File tab of the Insert Object dialog box? For the purpose of testing, see if Word also freezes or crashes if you make use of the Create New tab.

Or do you see something else happening?

I would suggest that you restart your computer and then try again. If it still fails, the next step is an online repair. See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-an-office-application-7821d4b6-7c1d-4205-aa0e-a6b40c5bb88b.

Answer 3

I should mention I am trying to insert a pdf. I click on display as icon and ok. Then the Insert Object dialog box opens with a spinning icon. Everything in the box does not respond. This happens nearly every time. I have restarted the computer.

Answer 4

Does this issue appear to be document-specific?

Are you able to share a sample document which illustrates the issue?

Answer 5

This is not document specific. It happens nearly every time. I have just learned that while the box is open, and the icon spinning, I can press ALT-Tab to change screens. When I press Alt-Tab to come back, the problem is gone and I can click on anything.