File > Open Window will not minimize

[morland]

This just started recently - whenever I select File > Open, the Open window
is maximized and I can't find a way to resize or minimize it. If I try and
drag the bottom right corner the drag "spot" disappears. Double clicking on
the title bar doesn't work either. Then after several tries Word often stops
responding - closes and reopens. If I double click the title bar the window
pops down smaller and then pops right back up to max again.

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

My first guess would be that it's a corrupted registry entry issue.


I would try renaming or deleting the Data key in the registry. For Word
2003:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\Data

There is also an Options key that might contain the window size/state
setting for the Open dialog:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\Options

So... if renaming the Data key doesn't fix it, try the Options key.

If neither fix it, try starting Word with the /a switch (start - run -
winword /a). If that "fixes" it, then try renaming Normal.dot.


*Standard disclaimer: editing the registry can cause problems if you mess
up, and can destabilize the rotation of the planet. Proceed at your own
risk.*

 

[morland]

I forgot to say this is in Word 2007. Same way to fix. I'm not really happy
about touching the registry. Any other way???

Thanks a lot.

Marcia Orland

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

Well... for starters, try opening Word in safe mode or using the /a switch.
That will tell you whether registry surgery or normal.dotm renaming will
have an effect.

--
Herb Tyson MS MVP
Author of the Word 2007 Bible
Blog: http://word2007bible.herbtyson.com
Web: http://www.herbtyson.com

 

[butch.weathers]

This can happen if the application has been opened on a secondary
monitor that is not currently connected.
Maximize the window then click on the middle button in the top right
corner "restore down" then...
Try Alt spacebar, M, left arrow, then move the mouse around to bring
the window in to view.
Alternately you could hook back up the second monitor and turn it on in
dispaly properties. I have this happen ocasionally as I have my second
monitor on the right at work and on the left on my home desk.
Hope this helps. at least it's avery simple try.