Step 1: Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Close all applications and restart your PC.
- Try opening Microsoft Word again.
Why this matters: Restarting clears temporary system issues that may interfere with Word.
Step 2: Repair Microsoft Office
Corrupted Office files can trigger this error.
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Select Microsoft Office and click Change.
- Choose Quick Repair > Repair, then restart your PC.
- If the issue persists, repeat steps but select Online Repair (full repair).
Why this matters: Repairing reinstalls missing/corrupted files without affecting your documents.
Step 3: Disable Add-ins
Faulty add-ins may cause Word to crash.
- Open Word in Safe Mode: Press Win + R, type winword /safe, and hit Enter.
- If Word opens in Safe Mode: Go to File > Options > Add-ins. Disable all add-ins, then restart Word normally. Re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the culprit.
Why this matters: Add-ins can conflict with Word’s core functionality.
Step 4: Update Windows and Office
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues.
- Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Update Office: Open Word > File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
Why this matters: Updates patch bugs and improve stability.
Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Office
If all else fails, perform a clean reinstall.
- Uninstall Office via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Download the latest version from Microsoft’s website and reinstall.
Why this matters: A fresh install eliminates deep-rooted corruption.
Additional Tips
- Check for malware using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
- Reset Word settings: Rename the Normal.dotm template file (located in %AppData%\Microsoft\Templates).
- Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as Admin and run sfc /scannow.
Prevention:
- Regularly back up important documents.
- Avoid force-closing Word during operation.
By following these steps, you should resolve the 0xc0000142 error and restore Word’s functionality. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
