Word Abnormally Ends when Maximizing Program Window

Michael is running into a problem when using Word. If he minimizes Word on the taskbar, and then tries to maximize the program, Word crashes. When he restarts Word, Michael has "recovered" files--those open when the program crashed--to review and save.

This type of problem can be caused by any number of conditions. One reader suggested that the problem may be due to a bug in the Handwriting Recognition feature of Office. You can run the Office Setup program and choose to uninstall the feature. (It is in the Advanced Settings area, under the Alternative Inputs.)

It is also possible that there is some virus, a third-party application, or some spyware that is conflicting with Word. You should make sure that there are no viruses or spyware by running the appropriate utility programs that check and cure such things. If the problem persists, then try determining of there are any third-party applications or add-ins running with Word.

One way to do this is to start Word in safe mode, as described in other issues of WordTips. If the problem does not occur while Word is in safe mode, then the problem may be an add-in, or even the video driver in your system. (Word works closely with the video driver, and if there is a "glitch" in it, then Word can crash.) If you suspect the video driver, check the video card manufacturer's Web site for any updates.

If Word crashes in safe mode, there is possibly something wrong with the Registry settings. Reinstalling Word won't necessarily fix any of the Registry settings, as most of them remain in the Registry even after Word is removed from your system. If you want to make absolutely sure that you do a clean re-install, then you should run a special program from the Office CD. Search the CD for a program called OFFCLN.EXE, and then run it. This removes all traces of Office, including Registry settings. You can then try to do an install and see if the problem is corrected.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (236) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.