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MS word file not opening in MAC big sur

ONLY MS word document is not opening on Mac Big Sur, all other office applications are working fine.

on clicking on any MS word document - You do not have permission to open the application "Microsoft word" is displayed.

the word document was working absolutely fine a week ago, then on downloading MS office updates, word document stopped working.


need help ....

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.0

Posted on Jan 23, 2021 1:49 AM

Reply
5 replies

Jan 23, 2021 8:21 PM in response to kamlesh98

Hey again!


So to confirm, it’s EVERY Word document not just this one that won’t open?


Also, you ARE able to open other documents on the Desktop, etc., just not Word documents?


Can you also go to Apple > About This Mac > System Report,


Under Software, click on Applications, can you scroll down until you find Word, and click on it to show the info below, and especially if you see two of them?


Tough to say if permissions just need to be applied to a certain location, or app, or if Word just needs to be uninstalled/reinstalled.


I think a good test maybe to move one or some of the documents to the Shared folder:


Finder > Go > Computer > Macintosh > Users > Shared.


Create a new administrator account in System Preferences > Users and Groups, log out, and log into the new user.


Navigate to the same Shared folder, are you able to open the documents there? That will tell us a lot,


Likewise, a good test would be safe mode, some third party apps may not work right, but all we need to do is see if one of the documents opens in Word while in safe boot:


https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac


Also, are the documents Syncing to a cloud service? iCloud/One Drive/Dropbox etc?


Thanks! Let me know how it goes!

Jan 23, 2021 2:03 AM in response to kamlesh98

Hey kamlesh98!


Can you say where these documents are located? (Such as Documents, Desktop, etc.).


Also, if you are opening them from Word, (File > Open), or from the location from which they are stored? (eg Finder)?


Does this happen with Any/All Word documents?


Likewise, if you move the document to another location, such as Downloads, does it open from there?


I’ve come across a similar issues where it didn’t have to do with the app that uses the file, but rather the location the file is stored, in which fixing the location’s permissions fixed it.


What also comes to mind is if you have two Word versions and it’s defaulting to the old version.


If you right click the document and select “Open With” is there two Word options?


Another question that comes to mind is are these files stored on an external hard drive? Or in a cloud service? Such as iCloud, One Drive, Dropbox? Etc.?


Thanks, happy to help if I can.

Jan 23, 2021 2:13 AM in response to DiZoE

1) The doc is on desktop

2) not opening from any other location, tried shifting it to download folder , same problem

3) Not opening from Finder

4) on right click - open with MS word(default)


all other office applications like EXCEL, One note, Power point are working fine except MS word.

Even the word document was working fine, but it suddenly stopped after the auto updates of MS office.

Jan 23, 2021 2:23 AM in response to kamlesh98

Hey again!


Thanks for that!

Would you be able to take a screen shot and possibly share the Get Info > Sharing and Permissions of the following locations?:


The Word App within Finder.

One of the documents.

The Desktop via the Finder window.


Select each file/location, press Command i on the keyboard.

Expand the disclosure triangle at the bottom left of the window to reveal “Sharing and Permissions”.


That may help to shed some light, thanks.

MS word file not opening in MAC big sur

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