Word attachment errors in Outlook Express

[Jeff]

When I receive an email with a Word attachment, I get the following error
message when I try to open it:
"Runtime Error
Program:C:\Program Files\ Microsoft Office\ Office 10\ WINWORD.EXE
Abnormal Program Termination"
The attachment opens, with the error message in front of it, and when I
click on the "ok" button, everything closes down.
Your suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Office MVP Beth Melton has provided the following explanation of runtime
errors:

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

 

[Jeff]

Thank you for your prompt reply.
I went to the Tools/Templates/Add-Ins and found a template listed as
PALMAPP, which I assume is something that got loaded with my Palm Pilot. I
moved it out of the Startup folder into its' own folder. I also added the
COM Add-in command to my toolbar and and found a couple of entries - one from
Google Desktop and another having to do with Web pages - I deleted both. I
tried opening a Word attachment to an Outlook Express email after doing this,
but I continue to get the same error message. I then went to Control Panel,
Add/Remove Programs and found that I do have the "Microsoft Works Suite
Add-in for Word" that you mentioned. I wasn't clear from your post, though,
as to whether I should completely remove that or not, as it appears to be a
Microsoft product and might(?) have an effect on the operation of Word.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

If you are using Word freestanding (not starting it from the Works Task
Launcher), then you should uninstall the Works Suite add-in (through Control
Panel | Add/Remove Programs, as it will not add any functionality to Word
the way you're using it, and it causes numerous problems.