'there was a problem sending the command to the program' error message in windows 7 using word 2007

Interesting how this problem seems universal, and has been going on at least since the Office 2003/Vista days; yet Microsoft has yet to recognize that it exists. When clicking on a .DOCX document to open Microsoft Word, I have received the "There is a problem sending the command to the program" for years; happens regardless of the computer, operating system or Word version. Clicking on a document icon opens Word; but, then Word cannot open the document unless the user takes additional steps. Don't bother attempting to jump through the ridiculous steps that techies throw at you. I mean, clicking on an icon should open the document; kind of basic, don't you think? Why should a user have to jump through complex fixes in attempt to get an application to do one of its most basic functions: opening a document? The only solution is to just live with it, because Microsoft is obviously not going to do anything about it. Once you get the "You can't open a Word document by clicking on the icon unless Word is already open" notice, just close the alert, and then click on the icon again. If Word is  open, you will be able to open a Word document by clicking on its icon.

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AMEN!!!!

I must say after now using an ipad and my son wanting a Macbook Pro when his Notebook died, I'm seriously thinking of moving to Apple also, certainly would stop these furiating bugs!

Wanted to chime in with my resolution for this situation. I'm running Word 2007.

Open Word

Click Windows Icon in top left corner

Click Word Options at bottom

Click Resources link on left

run Microsoft Office Diagnostics [Diagnose]

It took a few minutes to run, but it corrected the issue. Now able to open Word docs without having Word already open.

I must say after now using an ipad and my son wanting a Macbook Pro when his Notebook died, I'm seriously thinking of moving to Apple also, certainly would stop these furiating bugs!

I work in an office with many MAC computers - they have problems too - don't believe all the cr@p they're spreading... to be honest - I'm the only one in the office on Windows, and they have to send me files all that time because they can't open them, or they don't work right on their macs... but, if you want to give it a try - I certainly wont stop you from spending more money than you need to, to have more problems!