Solved Word 2007 goes to install every time I open a docx file

[Gorham]

Hi all.

First off, I'll say I can open word fine from a shortcut or using the EXE file. But when I click on a DOCX file, I get a window that word is preparing to install, then it gathers information and configures itself; then I think it runs an installer (?). And then, finally, it opens my file. I can close and click on the same file right away and it goes through the whole process. Every time.

It's annoying and time consuming. I've tried a couple of online "fixes" including running this line:
reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Word\Options /v NoReReg /t REG_DWORD /d 1
and using Fix-It from Microsoft. No joy.

So I thought I'd best come here where I tend to trust y'all know what you're doing. And sometimes even what I'm doing!

As usual, I appreciate the help.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi pretty weird :/
Have you also tried the uninstall a program option to fix all office programs ?
I rarely if ever use docx
They have features that are unneeded to me personally,

With a problematic file after it goes though all of the nonsense and opens,
Save the file as a compatible 2003 doc file and see if the issue remains with the new file.

 

[Ranger4]

Also have a look at this MS website as there are 2 methods of fixing it. One use the "Fixit" method & the other is done manually, but it involves editing the the Registry.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2528748#FixItForMeAlways1

 

[Gorham]

Hi pretty weird :/
Have you also tried the uninstall a program option to fix all office programs ?
I rarely if ever use docx
They have features that are unneeded to me personally,

With a problematic file after it goes though all of the nonsense and opens,
Save the file as a compatible 2003 doc file and see if the issue remains with the new file.

Last to first. I did save as a DOC and the problem still exists.

But I have no idea what the difference between DOC and DOCX is. I guess I thought it was just Microsoft being Microsoft. If you have a moment, could you give me a quick overview of those features that DOCX adds? Thanks so much.

-G.

 

[Gorham]

Also have a look at this MS website as there are 2 methods of fixing it. One use the "Fixit" method & the other is done manually, but it involves editing the the Registry.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2528748#FixItForMeAlways1

I'd already tried both of those. No joy.

Thanks for trying.

-G.

 

[Ranger4]

This website might help explain the DOC & DOCX situation for you.

DOC vs. DOCX File Extensions â

I assume you are using Office 2007, so have you tried uninstalling office, rebooting your computer & then reinstalling Office again.

 

[Gorham]

I guess I will have to uninstall/reinstall. What a bother. First I thought I'd try repairing Word. But I couldn't find any trace of MS Office at all in my Control Panel/Programs and Features. Which is probably the problem but I could stand to know how it happened so I could avoid this happening again in future.

Anyway, I'll do it and report back. Hopefully to tell you all is well. <sigh>

-G.

 

[Ranger4]

Hopefully reinstalling will fix the problem. Get back with your results.

 

[Gorham]

Hopefully reinstalling will fix the problem. Get back with your results.

Thanks for being interested.

I did do a complete uninstall and reinstalled it. Ended up much worse; it wouldn't open files it created and the install thing happened again anyway.

So I got uh... annoyed and fed up. I uninstalled it again; every vestige I could find. And have switched to LibreOffice. Which takes a bit of getting used to but seems to be working okay. I'm only using Writer (Word) and Calc (Excel).

I will miss Access, not that I had a clue how to use it. But I had intentions, don't you know!??!

Anyway, I'm considering this thread solved because there's no marking it just finished.

Thanks all for the help.

-G.