How do I solve this: Word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly

Question

I open word and cannot use it, because has this warning: Word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly

Answer 1

To resolve the error "Word has run into an error that is preventing it from working correctly," you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check for Updates: Ensure that both Windows and Microsoft Office are up to date. Updates often include fixes for known issues.
2. Start Word in Safe Mode: You can start Word in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. To do this, hold down the Ctrl key while starting Word. If it opens without the error, the issue may be caused by add-ins or custom settings.
3. Disable Add-ins: If Word starts in Safe Mode, disable any add-ins that might be causing the issue. Go to File > Options > Add-ins, and manage COM Add-ins by clicking Go... and unchecking any add-ins.
4. Repair Office: You can repair your Office installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office, and then click Change. Choose the Repair option and follow the prompts.
5. Check for Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other software can conflict with Word. Ensure that any third-party applications that might interact with Word are updated or disabled.
6. Reinstall Office: If none of the above solutions work, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling Microsoft Office.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and get Word working again.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems that occur when you start or use Word

Answer 2

Thanks for sharing the details, JOSE! Try to delete Word’s Corrupted Registry Key (Resets Word’s internal state)

A corrupt Word “Options” key often causes this exact startup error.

Steps:

• Close Word completely.
• Press Win + R, type:
  regedit

Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Word

Examples:
Office 365 / 2021 / 2019 → 16.0

• Right-click the “Word” key → Rename to Word.old (This forces Word to create a fresh clean profile.)

Reopen Word. If Word opens normally, the issue was corrupted registry data.

See if this helps. If you need further assistance just let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly