A couple of days ago I updated my 2007 Office package. Installing the update went well, but I haven't been able to copy graphics into a Word document since then. For instance, I tried to copy a chart I found in a newspaper article, and all I got was a blank space instead. When I clicked on the blank space, a box popped up to fit the chart, but it was empty. I tried to paste a photo into something I was writing and got another blank space. I checked all the settings I could think of and didn't find anything wrong. What happened and how do I fix it?

I suspect you have Word's 'Show picture placeholders' option checked. Try unchecking it (File|Options>Advanced>Show Document Content).

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

Thank you, Paul. When I looked, the box was not checked. I'm just lost. This problem hasn't popped up before. I had no problems with graphics at all until the software was updated.

I'm seriously thinking about trying to uninstall the update. LOL I suspect that would just make things worse. I should upgrade to the latest version, but I'm retired, and 2007 Office does/has everything I need.

You might try checking/unchecking that option. Also, have you tried repairing the Office installation (via Programs & Features > Microsoft Office > Change in the Windows Control Panel)?

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

Thank you so much. I followed your suggestion and repaired the installation, and all the problems disappeared. I wasn't aware that was an option, and it worked immediately.