can't print a Word document

Question

Level 1

9 points

can't print a Word document

Hi,

Using an old version of MS Word for OSX.

Usually everything is fine, but occasionally, especially when someone emails a word doc, I can't Preview or print the document.

Any ideas?

Patty

Posted on Feb 5, 2012 7:54 PM

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Answer 1

steve626

Level 6

16,735 points

Feb 5, 2012 7:59 PM in response to pmcgiffin

Your question has a variety of answers, depending on the following:

Your exact model/make of iMac

Your version of Mac OS (e.g. 10.6.8 or whatever it is)

What version of Word you are using

Names of examples of files you cannot open (or can you open them but not print them, which is it) -- in particular do they end with .doc or with .docx

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Answer 2

Dave B.

Level 4

2,090 points

Feb 5, 2012 8:04 PM in response to pmcgiffin

It could be the file you received was created in a newer version of Word, or the file extension was left off or changed, especially if it's a .docx instead of .doc. Any way to check any of those problem emails?

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Answer 3

pmcgiffin Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:10 AM in response to steve626

Hi,

The iMac is a 3.06 GHz Intel Core Duo.

OSX.6.8

Old version of Office for Mac. (Which is always fine for the most part.)

It does not tell me the version of Word under "about", but the copyright is 2001 and when I try to save, it asks if I would like version 5.0 or 5.1.

I am pretty sure the doc was created with a newer version of Word.

This is where it gets strange...

My sister in law revised a resume and cover letter for me on a PC. Originally created in Word.

She emailed the new versions back.

When I open the attached cover letter, or copy it to my desktop, it is fine. I can preview and print. All good.

The resume however, will not.

They both have .doc as a suffix.

I tried "saving as" and copying the text to a new document.

No luck.

We are racking our brains as I had this happen last year and were able to overcome the problem.....but we cannot remember how. (Of course)

Thanks for any ideas.

Patty

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Answer 4

Paul_31

Level 6

14,212 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:20 AM in response to pmcgiffin

Did you do the Security Update last week, as that caused some problems.

Apple have posted and updated file which might help: Security Update 2012-001 (Snow Leopard)

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Answer 5

pmcgiffin Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:44 AM in response to Paul_31

Hi,

I did not do any security updates.

Another thing I forgot to mention....

When I try to print the troublesome document, the printer simply spits out a blank sheet.

Patty

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Answer 6

Paul_31

Level 6

14,212 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:46 AM in response to pmcgiffin

Maybe resetting the printing system might help. System Preferences>Print & Fax, Control+Click or right click on a printer on the left and select 'reset printing system'. All printers will need to be added again.

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Answer 7

pmcgiffin Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:56 AM in response to Paul_31

Just tried that.

Same result. Spits out a blank page.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

I noticed that when I hit "preview" in the print window, the doc in question will not preview.

Patty

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Answer 8

Paul_31

Level 6

14,212 points

Feb 6, 2012 5:59 AM in response to pmcgiffin

What make of printer and model do you have and how is it connected - usb/ethernet/wifi?

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Answer 9

pmcgiffin Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2012 6:03 AM in response to Paul_31

Hi again,

Brother MFC-295CN

Attached via USB.

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Answer 10

Paul_31

Level 6

14,212 points

Feb 6, 2012 6:08 AM in response to pmcgiffin

These are the latest Brother drivers from the Apple downloads pages: Brother Printer Drivers 2.8.1

You could try installing those, rebooting and see if it makes a difference. If it doesn't, reset the printing system again and then add the printer back in. If that doesn't work I'm out of ideas.

I wish you luck - if you do find a solution please post back it would be good to know the answer.

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Answer 11

pmcgiffin Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2012 7:00 AM in response to Paul_31

Thanks for all your attention.

I tried the drivers as you suggested, as well as the reset.

It still spits out a blank page.

I can open the document with Pages and print from there with a few minor format tweaks, but would still love to know why this happens occasionally.

Thanks again for all your help and I will post if I find out why.

Patty

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