First and foremost – this is a last solution method. If you are having trouble with Word, I strongly suggest using the Office Modify function to repair Word. I am posting this for those that want all their customizations in Word removed and make Word like it was when it was first installed.
WARNING: This procedure will remove All your customizations. Consider that before you follow this procedure.
With that said, the procedure will “save” your customization should you wish to revert back.
Reset Word to Default Settings
What
Instructions to reset Word settings to their original default values so Word appears as it did when it was first installed.
Why
Situations arise where Word is not operating properly and a repair of the software did not resolve the problem. Since the repair fixed any corrupt software components, the problem must be in the Settings of Word and will not respond to change. The only solution in such situations is to reset Word to its install default settings.
WARNING: Resetting Word to default setting will remove all customization you have made to Word and should be considered a last resort. This applies to Word in Office versions 2016, 2019, and 365.
How
Step 1: Remove the Normal Template
o Make sure Word is closed and no documents are open.
o Copy the following Path address
%AppData%\Microsoft\Templates
o Click the Search box on the Taskbar, paste the Path address above and press the Enter key. This will open File Explorer to folder where the Normal.dotm template is stored.
o Right click this Normal.dotm file and select Rename to XNormal.dotm.
o Close File Explorer.
Step 2: Delete Settings in the Registry
o Open an Administrator Command window by opening a Run box (WinKey +R), type in cmd, press Ctrl + Alt + Enter keys at the same time, and clicking Yes to the UAC query.
o Copy the following command. Text warping places this command on two lines but is a single line and must be copied all at once.
reg export “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word” “%userprofile%\Documents\WordSettings.reg”
o Place the mouse pointer in the Command window and right click once. This will paste the copied command at the prompt (>). Press the Enter key and the command will run. When the command is finished running it will display “The operation completed successfully.” and the prompt will return awaiting the next command.
o There is a new file WordSettings.reg in your User Documents folder. This is a backup of all your Word customization that are kept in the Registry.
o Copy the following command.
reg delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word” /f
o Place the mouse pointer in the Command window and right click once. This will paste the copied command at the prompt (>). Press the Enter key and the command will run. When the command is finished running it will display “The operation completed successfully.” and the prompt will return awaiting the next command.
o Close the Command window and restart the PC.
o Open Word and it should be as it was when it was first installed.
HTH, Dana:))
