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Word experienced an error trying to open the file [Full Fix]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Some Word users have encountered an error message that states,Word experienced an error trying to open the file.
This error arises for some users when they try to open MS Word document files.
As a consequence, documents don’t open when Word displays this error message:
There are a few confirmed fixes for this issue, and in this guide we will discuss them all.
Why am I getting Word experienced an error trying to open the file message on Windows 11?
If you get this message, it’s possible that thefile is in use by another application, and that’s what preventing you from opening it.
It’s also possible that the installation is damaged becauseMicrosoft Office encountered an error during setup, and if that’s the case, you might have to reinstall it.
This isn’t the only issue that you can encounter and many have reported thatMicrosoft Word has stopped working, so you might have to check your installation.
How can I fix the Word experienced an error to open the file?
1. Use specialized repair software
This issue can occur if your Word file is corrupted, and if that’s the case, you might have to repair it with a specialized software such as Stellar Repair for Word.
Using this tool you can repair multiple documents simultaneously, and preview the recovered files before saving them. Regarding compatibility, the software works with all versions of Word.
As for the recovery process, there are three methods available, so you can easily recover any corrupted Word document.
Stellar Repair for Word
2. Unblock your Word file
3. Disable Word’s Protected View options
4. Add the files to a trusted folder location
5. Repair the MS Word document
For more details on how to repair MS Word documents, you can always check outthis thorough guide.
6. Open the document with an alternative word processor
This resolution is more of a workaround than a fix. However, your MS Word document might open fine with other software that supports its file format.
Lots ofword processorssupport MS Word file formats. So, try opening the file the issue arises with alternative software.
Then you can view and edit the document as required if it opens ok in alternative word processors.
The above resolutions will probably fix theWord experienced an errorissue for most users, and if you are included in that group, feel free to share you experience with us.
You can do so by using the comment section below this guide.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
