Run-time error '53' (Word for Mac)

Anonymous
2022-06-26T01:52:02+00:00

Everytime I open a Word document I get the following message

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For education | MacOS

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Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2022-06-26T17:19:20+00:00

Hi Ana,

The best way to take care of this error is to install updates for Adobe Acrobat. Doing so will clear this error.

If you no longer want to use Acrobat, then there are some hidden files you must delete.

Error 53 Adobe

Delete "linkCreation.dotm" from the following folders:

  ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Word/

  ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/PowerPoint/

  ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Excel/

To get to these hidden files, in Finder press Shift+Command+L to take you to the library folder, then drill into the folders as shown above.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-13T14:42:56+00:00

    Dear Support Team,

    I deleted the relevant file “linkcreation.dotm” from Word, and other Office program folders. But issue persists on each program.

    Is there another solution? I use Office 365.

    Thank you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-06-26T03:53:07+00:00

    Dear Ana Bella1,

    Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

    We found a similar post based on your error message, you can follow the specific steps as below to remove the add-ins file:New Error: "Run-time error '53'" ... MacPDFM - Microsoft Community

    1. Start by closing Word.2. Open ~/Library/Group Containers/UB48T346G9.Office/User Content.localized/Startup.localized/Word. Please note that the User Content and Startup folders will not always have .localized appended to the name when you view them in the Finder.3. Drag the Acrobat add-in file to your desktop, then restart Word to test that the issue is gone
      if you can’t find the hidden user Library folder, please hold down theOption key while clicking on the Go menu and choosing Library, then you can find the related folder. If the problem persists, please provide the following information to help us understand your situation more specifically：
    • A screenshot of the version information of the Office application you are using. (Finder->Application-> Right click Word ->Get info).
    • The version of the operating system you are using.
    • Does this issue occur in other Office apps？

    Sincerely,

    Tin | Microsoft Community Moderator

    ***Note: In the event that you're unable to reply to this thread, please ensure that your Email address is verified in the Community Website by clicking on Your Account Name > "My Profile" > "Edit Profile" > Add your Email Address > tick "Receive email notifications" checkbox > click on "Save".***

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-27T17:20:44+00:00

    I have the same question for Word and nothing I've tried is working. I'm extremely frustrated.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-01-23T05:36:11+00:00

    Hello, I have the same problem. I'm using Mac OS Monterey. I have followed all the steps suggested but there are no "linkCreation.dotm" in those folders. The Run time error 53 only occurs when I open Word, not is any other Office programs. Word and Acrobat are all up to date. Any help appreciated.

    Also, I am about to renew my Office subscription and wonder if this error will be carried forward after renewing?

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