"cannot start converter" error in Word v. X

[dkodmur]

Hi!

I am running OS 10.3.9 and Word v.X version 10.1.6.

Recently I tried using Word to open files created in a previous version
of Word, maybe 5 or 6, I don't remember.

I had huge trouble doing this but somehow, the files opened.

However, since then, I cannot launch Word v.X or open documents it has
created without getting a dialog box that says "Word cannot start the
converter."

When I click "OK", the dialog box keeps popping up, preventing me from
using the application. My only way out is to force quit.

What converter am I missing? How can I fix this problem?


Thanks,


Danny

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

Some possibilities:

If you see this problem using File | Open from within Word, check the
setting for the Enable dropdown in the dialog, and that it is not something
weird (it should be one of the options that starts with All).

If you see this problem when double-clicking on a file, do a Get Info
(cmd-I) on a word file icon, and make sure that the Open With is set to your
current version of Word and Change All to set it across the system.

 

[JosypenkoMJ]

I get these messages, eg., :

Word cannot start the converter ___.gif

when I try to open a document made with a newer version of Word with an
older version; eg. trying to open a Word 200_ document with Word 95/6.
Eventually, if you bypass all these mesages, Word will ask :

Convert File from :

and shows a list of possible file formats. If you pick :

Text Only

the document will be opened showing all text, but formatting will be
lost.
The problem is the old Word does not recognize the newer Word file
format. In your case an older version of Word may now be running.

 

[dkodmur]

thanks for the input, but there is no enable dropdown in the dialog
box....it is just an ok box to click that keep popping up......and
while it pops up, all other word menus are greyed out.......

so confusing........


danny

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

I meant the File | Open dialog. How are you trying to open the doc?
Double-clicking or File | Open?

 

[dkodmur]

the box keeps popping up whether i double click a file or try to launch
word and then do file|open


maybe i should just reinstall the program if i can find my discs



danny

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

Well, did you check both the things I suggested?

If those don't make a difference, there are a lot of standard
troubleshooting steps short of reinstalling. They are listed here:

http://word.mvps.org/MacWordNew/TroubleshootingIndex.htm
(hit refresh a few times in Safari, or use a different browser)

Work through them one by one until something helps.

Alternatively, test it in a new user account. If the new account works, it
may be easier to switch over than to find the fault.

 

[dkodmur]

i feel like a total yutz.

removing the settings file and starting over seems to have fixed the
problem.

i've only used macs for 21 years.....you'd think by now......

guess i didn't really know where the key files are any longer......

the mvps site is great!

thanks for the help!!!



danny