Word opens any file locked up with all text highlighted.

[chickenboy]

Word opens any file with all text selected (highlighted). Cannot edit other
than format. Tried to re-install office, didn't work. After many attempts
and restores, I got it back to normal until I opened a PDF. Adobe scrolls
sluggish, then when I go back to a Word file, it is back to problems. I
think it is related to Adobe somehow, possibly flash. Any suggestions how to
correct?

 

[Terry Farrell]

It really helps to know which versions of Word, OS and Adobe you are using
and if they are all patched up to date.

But a guess from your description is that Adobe has installed an add-in
into Word (Office) that is incompatible. But this is just a guess with so
few details.

Test by staring Word in Safe Mode. From Start | Run (Winkey+R), type in

winword /a

and press enter. Does Word work correctly in Safe Mode?

 

[chickenboy]

Thanks Terry, I am using Word 2003, XP, Adobe 8. Word does not work in safe
mode.

Some other clues that are noticable:
-When I am in a PDF, toolbars disappear (white but outline box showing),
screen flickers and scroll is moving up and down 1 line repeatedly.

-In an editable PDF while filckering, I can attempt to edit, but 1 letter
per 5 seconds.

-Excel, EXT showing in bottom layout (next to NUM lock) is flickering

-MS Clip Organizer, selected file is flickering along with icon for delete (X)

-IE 8, I am unable to highlight or select any text on the page including
typed text in search field.

-The last function I was doing before the problem was doing a print screen
from a full page layout in IE8 and paste it to word. The files was fine,
came back to the PC 45 minutes later to find it locked.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Terry Farrell]

Adobe add-ins to Office are usually achieved by a custom template installed
in either the Office Startup or Word Startup folders. Start by looking in
those folders and renaming the Adobename.dot as adobename.bad which will
stop it loading when Word is started.

But it sounds like Adobe itself must have a problem too. I'm not expert on
Acrobat 8, but I would uninstall it, reboot and then reinstall it. If that
doesn't fix it, try an Adobe support forum for some expert help.

Terry

 

[chickenboy]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure it's Acrobat anymore, I think Acrobat
just accelerates it.

Before you posted I uninstalled Acrobat. Everything was fine. When I did a
search for Adobe file you mentioned, it cuased my Word file to be locked and
highlighted. So what ever is happening, it happens to be most noticable in
word.

The main difference this time, is a PC reboot solved it. Before I had to
either uninstall Adobe or try to restore my PC.

Is there any chance this is a memory issue with all of the visual mishaps?
All of my most severe PC problems have been solved by new RAM.

Thanks

 

[chickenboy]

Terry, I re-seated my memory card and for the last 4 hours it has been all
good. Why can't I remember to try this earlier. Thanks for the help.

 

[Terry Farrell]

Great to hear.

Terry

Terry, I re-seated my memory card and for the last 4 hours it has been all
good. Why can't I remember to try this earlier. Thanks for the help.