Error message: Word cannot start the converter mswrd632.wpc. How can I correct?

Anonymous
2010-01-28T15:50:11+00:00

This error shows up when I try to open certain Word documents using the .doc extension.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.8K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2010-01-28T17:38:25+00:00

Hi LMatth,

Look at the "Known Issues" section of this Microsoft article.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/973904

<excerpt>

Let me fix it myself To unregister the mswrd632 converter yourself, edit the registry as follows:

  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Text Converters\Import\MSWord6.wpc 3. On the Edit menu, click Delete. 4. Click Yes. 5. Exit Registry Editor.

This change will effectively unregister the converter and disable it for third-party applications and for Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office will use its own text converters to open these kinds of files.

</excerpt>

©2010 Microsoft Corporation.

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-04-13T21:34:05+00:00

Solution to this is available here:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/973904

Was this answer helpful?

9 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

52 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-10-19T07:37:23+00:00

    check the file in notepad- if the first line contains [Content_Types].xml rename .doc to .docx  and it will work.    Just make sure your office 2003 is up to date and you have the 2007 comp pack installed with all service packs/updates.

    Great! Work like a charm..!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-04-20T19:57:55+00:00

    Hi my name is Karl i was also having this problem if you are the same then just open up word click on your downloads pick which file you want to open & chose to open it in word pad & it should come up ok for you to print off , hope this works for you as it worked for me & i'm no computer whizz .

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-04-20T14:48:13+00:00

    Don't now if any of these other suggestions worked -I try to stay out of  'regedit' - but this one did.

    Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments