How to Fix “Word Experienced an Error Trying to Open the File”

The “Word Experienced An Error Trying to Open the File” error stops Microsoft Word from opening specific documents, disrupting access to their contents. This error typically occurs because Word blocks files due to permissions or security settings, especially when dealing with files from untrusted locations or those downloaded from the internet.

The primary reason is Word’s Protected View, which aims to prevent risks associated with external files. Other causes include file corruption, outdated software, or problematic add-ins.

Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions

1. Disable Protected View Settings

This issue occurs when Word’s Protected View blocks files from untrusted sources. Disabling this setting can allow Word to open documents that were wrongly flagged.

1. Open Word and click on File at the top-left corner.
2. Select Options from the left pane.

   

3. Choose Trust Center from the left pane, then click on the Trust Center Settings button in the right pane.

   

4. Select Protected View in the next dialog.

   

5. Uncheck all options related to Protected View settings and click OK to save the changes.

2. Add Another Trusted Location

Creating a new trusted location in Word lets you mark folders as safe, allowing Word to skip security checks for files in those folders. This reduces interruptions from Protected View for easier document access.

1. Open Word and click on File in the top-left corner.
2. Select Options in the next window.
3. Go to Trust Center in the left pane and click on Trust Center settings.
4. Select Trusted Locations.
5. Click Add new location and enter your chosen location in the dialog.

   

6. Check the box for “Subfolders of this location are also trusted” and click OK.

3. Unblock the File

Files from untrusted sources can trigger Word’s security blocks, causing access problems. Unblocking the file tells Word it’s safe to open, bypassing security settings that might prevent access.

1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
2. In the Properties dialog, go to the Security section and check the Unblock box.
3. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

4. Repair the Word File

Repairing the Word file checks and fixes problems in the document’s structure. This process resolves minor corruptions or issues that cause Word to detect security risks. Repairing makes the file safe and accessible without data loss, ensuring smooth access in the future.

1. Open Word and click on File in the ribbon menu.
2. Select Open, then go to the file’s location.
3. Right-click the file, expand the Open button dropdown, and choose Open and Repair.

   

5. Repair Microsoft Office

Sometimes, issues with Microsoft Word come from problems in the Office suite. Repairing Office fixes this by replacing damaged parts, resetting functions, and resolving errors like blocked files. This ensures Word’s files and settings are correct, restoring normal file use.

1. Open the Start menu and type “Add or Remove Programs“. Select it from the results.
2. Find Office 365 in the list and click on it.
3. Select Modify and choose Quick Repair. Click Repair.

   

4. Once done, see if the issue is fixed. If not, opt for an Online Repair.