Visual C++ runtime error on closing Word XP

[Bill Hamilton]

About 50% of the times I close Word XP (under Win XP Home, SP2) I get a
dialog box headed Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Error, and the body just
gives the pathname to the Word exe file, plus an abnormal termination
message. No error codes or numbers. OKing that box causes Word to crash,
basically, and the next startup of Word goes into recovery mode, whether or
not the last action had been to save the document. I can't reproduce this
on demand, it just seems to happen every now and then and it's starting to
be a bit of a pain.

This problem has survived a re-install of the whole Office suite, plus the
installation of the Windows XP SP1 maintenance.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks

Bill

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Courtesy of Office MVP Beth Melton:

A "runtime" error means that there is an error in a macro or add-in that is
attempting to run. Typically these macros are created by a third-party and
are not part of the Word installation. (They could also be caused by a
malfunctioning macro virus as well)

Many third-party applications will create an add-in and place it in the
Office\Startup folder or use a COM add-in (DLL) to integrate their software
with Word. Another common add-in, the "Microsoft Works Suite Add-in for
Word" can only be found in your Add/Remove programs list.

Aside from the Works Suite Add-in, to determine if you have any add-ins you
can check for them using the following:

Go to Tools/Templates and Add-Ins and see if there are any global templates
or add-ins listed. If you find any then chances are they are located in
your Office\Startup folder or Word\Startup folder.

The location of the Word\Startup folder can be found under
Tools/Options/File Locations and the Office\Startup folder will be located
in the installation path for Office.

If you find more than one add-in move them one at a time until you
determine which one is causing the problem.

As of Word 2000, Word can have COM add-ins, those that are added in via the
Registry rather than the Startup folders. To check for COM add-ins add the
"COM Add-In" command to your toolbar.

- Right-click any toolbar and select Customize
- On the Commands tab, select the Tools category
- Locate COM Add-Ins on the right
- Drag/Drop to a location of your choice

For more information on COM Add-Ins, see this article:
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Customization/CheckIfAddinsInstalled.htm