Long shot here...Save popup screen every time I open excel or Word

[Phentex]

I am using a somewhat new computer and have very little on it at all. But I am working with about 15 excel files that I need to access. When I open a file, a separate screen pops up and it's the SAVE or CANCEL choice only. However, you can't save or close and there's no save as choice. You can't x out of it. All you can do to end it is use the Task Manager .

Same thing happens in word. And I can see the document but I can't click on it.

Coworker thought it might be something to do with One Drive and we disabled that, but it still happens and my files are on the computer, not onedrive.

I downloaded a brand new version of Malwarebytes and the system seems clean.

The only thing I remember doing prior to this was use PrintScreen.

I googled and have tried the usual see if there are any stuck keys and everything else looks normal.

Any thoughts of what could make this happen?

[CrispyQ]

1. Delete the app & reinstall it.

I don't have your problem, but I periodically have to reinstall MS Office. At least twice a month it just won't open.

[Phentex]

3. I probably should have done that

first but I didn't. I just uninstalled and reinstalled and have the same issue. I swear it's this computer!

Thanks!!!

[CrispyQ]

6. There are so many variables! I hate when things like this happen!

Good luck.

[Phentex]

8. Especially since my kids got me this laptop

After my very ancient one started taking forever to do things and had software that couldn’t be updated any longer.

I barely have anything on this one!

[walkingman]

2. You've probably seen this but just in case....

The "Save or Cancel" dialog box popping up when opening a Word file in Windows usually indicates a problem with the file's save settings or a potential conflict with OneDrive or other cloud storage. To resolve this, you can try disabling background saving, checking for document corruption, or adjusting OneDrive settings.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of potential solutions:
1. Disable Background Saving:

Go to File > Options > Save.
Uncheck the box that says "Allow background saves".
Click OK to save the changes.

2. Check for Document Corruption:

If the issue is with a specific file, try opening it in Safe Mode in Word or using the "Open and Repair" option.
To open in Safe Mode, press the Windows key and R, type winword /safe, and press Enter.
To use "Open and Repair," open the file, go to File > Open, select the file, click the dropdown arrow next to "Open," and choose "Open and Repair".

3. Adjust OneDrive Settings:

If you use OneDrive, check its settings to ensure it's not causing conflicts.
Go to File > Options > Save and uncheck "AutoSave OneDrive and SharePoint Online files by default on Word".

Consider disabling OneDrive's automatic startup or synchronization if it's causing issues.

4. Check for Protected View:

Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Protected View.
Uncheck all boxes in the Protected View section to disable it.

5. Disable the Start Screen:

Go to File > Options > General.
Uncheck the box that says "Show the Start screen when this application starts".

6. Review Startup Folder and Task Scheduler:

Check the startup folder (type shell:startup in the Run dialog) and Task Scheduler for any suspicious entries that might be triggering Word to open.

Every time I turn on the PC, a word window opens with an ...
By trying these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Save or Cancel" dialog loop and get Word working normally.

[Phentex]

4. I'm not sure where to get to these settings

because the box is there when I open a file and I can't do anything once it's open.

Thanks for checking. I have googled and it seems like a common problem but none of the fixes are working. I am considering beating on it the way we did tv's in the old days.

[walkingman]

5. Have you tried opening word in SAFE mode....?

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Type winword /safe and click OK.
Word will open in safe mode.

[Phentex]

7. Yes and excel too

Get the same window that won’t let me click on anything. I also tried opening a blank document that has never been saved and get the same thing

[walkingman]

9. LOL - Got me intrigued...Have you tried this?

1 . Right-click the Start button in Windows, and select Apps and Features on the pop-up menu.
2. Select the Microsoft Office product you want to repair, and select Modify.
3. In the window How would you like to repair your Office Programs, select Online Repair > Repair to make sure everything gets fixed.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair. And restart your computer.

[Phentex]

10. Yes both quick mode and the longer online repair

I appreciate your response.

I think I am going to do a factory reboot. Also, I may try to open one of the files on my ancient laptop just to see what happens.

I really don't have much on this new laptop so I saved some files and may give the reset a shot

It's kinda frustrating that Microsoft says yeah this happens sometimes oh well

[walkingman]

11. One more question...Does this happen when you click on a word or excel doc itself or are you

can you open word/excel by itself with no problem and then when you open one of your docs it happens?

In other words, does it happen when you are opening the app or a document.

[Phentex]

12. the app itself, both word and excel. the plot thickens tho

I emailed one of the files to myself and I was able to open it no problem on my ancient laptop. It's gotta be something on the new laptop (now in reset mode!)

So on the new laptop, I'd open Excel and attempt to open a file or a blank sheet and the pop up was just there and then there was nothing to do except delete the app from the task manager.

I was able to open a pdf previously made in excel so I think the Microsoft bug was the culprit!