Problem with Publisher

Question

Problem with Publisher

Lynda Yawn 0

i can't access my publisher files. I get this massage.

Screenshot (171)

Lynda Yawn 0 Reputation points

2026-09-07T19:42:24.14+00:00

I get this message when I try to open any of my publisher files: Publisher has detected a problem in the file you are trying to open. To protect your computer, Publisher will not open file.

1 answer

Your answer

Lynda Yawn 0 Reputation points

2026-09-07T19:42:24.14+00:00

I get this message when I try to open any of my publisher files: Publisher has detected a problem in the file you are trying to open. To protect your computer, Publisher will not open file.

Answer 1

Ian-T 10,695 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Lynda Yawn

Since this happens with all Publisher files, please first check whether Publisher can create and reopen a new blank publication saved locally, such as in Documents.

Then try these steps:

Install any available Office updates.
Restart the computer.
Repair Office from Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft 365 or Office > Modify. Try Quick Repair first, followed by Online Repair if needed. .
If the files were downloaded or received by email, right-select one file, choose Properties, and select Unblock if that option appears.

Please also let us know which Publisher version you are using and whether a newly created local Publisher file opens normally.

Thank you for your time

Ian-T 10,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-09T01:13:42.16+00:00

Hi @Lynda Yawn

Just checking in to see if you need any further help, please feel free to let me know
Lynda Yawn 0 Reputation points

2026-09-09T02:23:49.9666667+00:00

I downloaded all updates. I created a new publisher file, saved it, then closed. It reopened without any problem. All current files still do not open. There are files from current all the way back to 2021.
Ian-T 10,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-09T07:34:27.79+00:00
Hi

Thank you for testing that. Since a newly created Publisher file opens normally, Publisher itself appears to be working. The existing files may be blocked because of their location or security properties.

Please make a copy of one affected file and save the copy directly in your Documents folder. Then:

Right-click the copied file and select Properties.

On the General tab, select Unblock if that option appears.

Select Apply, then try opening the copied file again.

Please also let us know where the existing files are currently stored, such as OneDrive, an external drive, a network folder, or a folder transferred from another computer. Do not move or modify all the original files yet; test with only one copied file first.
Ian-T 10,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-09T23:25:37.6+00:00

Hi

Feel free to let me know if you need any further help