Updating office and getting an error message (Office for Windows)

Anonymous
2020-02-11T19:34:37+00:00

I have tried to open a word / excel document. 

It says it is updating, please wait a moment. 

After a few minutes I get a message saying: 

WINWORD.EXE - Application Error - This application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  2. Stefan Blom 351.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-09-29T11:03:01+00:00

    Yes, the problem keeps returning again and again.

    It seems the problem emerged after they rebranded it from Office 365 to Microsoft 365.

    The rebranding was just that: a new name. It won't affect how Office programs work.

    Which specific type of subscription license are you running? Home user license such as Microsoft 365 Family? Or a business license?

    Since something is broken, you may have to remove all traces of Microsoft Office applications, for example by using the Uninstall support tool (see Option 2 in the article at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/uninstall-office-from-a-pc-9dd49b83-264a-477a-8fcc-2fdf5dbf61d8). Make sure that Windows is up to date. Then reinstall Office. Of course, if you are running a business version, your organization may not allow you to do this yourself.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-09-29T07:57:29+00:00

    I had to uninstall all office products including team software. 

    Then restarted the machine and installed the office 19. 

    That then worked. 

    Good luck

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-09-29T02:33:05+00:00

    Yes, the problem keeps returning again and again.

    It seems the problem emerged after they rebranded it from Office 365 to Microsoft 365.

    Such a bad product, it turned out to be.

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  5. Stefan Blom 351.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-08-31T23:26:53+00:00

    Check if there is a trial version installed on the computer, alongside your full version. In that case, the trial could be responsible for the message. You can uninstall the trial. 

    Also, check with your school/college/university if something has changed with the licensing.

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