I've recently downloaded office 2013 and when I try to load up saved word and excel files it shuts down and says that its encountered a problem. I've installed it several times and its the same problem.



I could load it up and create new files but now I cant even do that. I have got office 2013 on my notebook and that works fine (word crashes every so often but not so often now).

Could someone explain what the problem is and how it can be solved.

Hi Tom,

Simply uninstalling/reinstalling doesn't solve registry-related or template-related problems, as both remain in place even after uninstalling. Similarly, errors caused by 3rd-party apps or corrupt files won't be cured by that approach.

For a complete Office 2013 removal, see: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2739501

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I followed the link and downloaded the software and have un-installed office and re-installed it and I still get the same problem.

Do you get the same problem with all files, or just a few? If the latter, they may be corrupt.

What 3rd-party addins do you have installed (see under File|Options|Addins)?

Have you tried running Word, for example, in safe mode? To do this:
1. Select Run from the Windows Start menu.
2. Type winword.exe /a (you must insert the space before the /a).
3. Click OK.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

This seems to be working thanks.

Also I've checked the add-ins and im not really sure what im looking for.

Is Excel working properly now? If not what are the exact error messages Word & Excel produce when run normally?

Running Word in safe mode is a diagnostic tool; not an approach I'd recommend for normal use. Running Word in safe mode prevents add-ins and global templates (including the Normal template) from being loaded automatically.

The fact that Word runs correctly in safe mode indicates you have a problem with an add-in or a global template (probably Normal.dotm). If Excel isn't working properly, the most likely culprit is a 3rd-party add-in. You can find the Word & Excel Add-ins via File|Options|Add-ins in each application. Look for any not published by Microsoft.

The Normal.dotm template can be located via the procedures in Step 4 of the manual uninstallation steps for an MSI installation of Office 2013 in the link I posted. With Word closed, You could try renaming that file. A new one will be created next time Word starts.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I've deleted the non-Microsoft add-ins and its now running fine. Thanks for the help.

OK, so one or more of your add-ins was the culprit. Try re-installing each one, testing the functionality of Word/Excel, before the re-installing next one, until you identify a culprit. Uninstall that one again, then continue with the others.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]