How to Fix “Word Can’t Do this Because a Dialog Box is Open” Error

MS Word is one of the prominent productivity programs and a part of the Microsoft Office suite. It provides various features and tools to make word processing easier. Sometimes, when we try to open a Microsoft Word file and try to perform a task, an error will pop out saying “Word can’t do this as the Dialogue box is open”. If you tap on the OK button, you will face the same error repeatedly.

This blog will guide you on how to troubleshoot the error: “MS Word can’t do this because the dialogue box is open”.

Turning Off Add-ins

• Open MS Word on your device.
• Then, hit the File tab situated at the upper left-hand side edge of the display.
• After that, press the Options tab there.
• Hit the Add-Ins tab.
• Now, you have to choose the Manage option just beneath the Word Options window.
• Next, select the COM Add-Ins option from the prompting list.
• Select the Go tab there.
• Now, you have to uncheck and stop all the Add-Ins that you think might be a reason to flash the error.
• Then, press the OK tab to proceed.
• Reboot the device and restart your MS Word application to accept all the modifications.

In case, you are still facing the error message, then pursue these instructions to turn off entire Add-Ins using Trust Center.

• First of all, open MS Word and then hit the File tab.
• Now, hit the Options tab.
• After that, choose the Trust Center option.
• Next, tap on Trust Center Settings.
• Once the window related to Trust Center expands on your screen, select the Add-Ins option.
• Tick the box available just after the option “Disable all Apps Add-Ins.”
• Then, tap on, OK.
• You will get Word Options once more on your screen. Choose the OK tab to proceed.
• Now, close the expanded window and reboot the Word application.

Turning Off Protected View Mode

Note: This process might open your device for malicious viruses, so be aware of it. It is not usually recommended, but if you want to perform this method, you will take the risk of inviting viruses and bugs. Still, if you desire to use this process, follow these instructions to deactivate Protected View mode in order to troubleshoot the issue:

• First and foremost, open MS Word.
• Then, hit the File menu situated at the upper left-hand side edge of your system screen.
• After that, press the Options tab.
• Now, choose the option “Trust Center” by navigating the menu located at the left-hand side edge.
• Hit the section “Trust Center Settings” at the bottom portion of the screen.
• Press the option “Protected View.”
• Deselect all the available boxes.
• Hit the OK button to continue.
• Once you have finished performing the above guidelines, open MS Word to view if the error is still appearing. If yes, then you can follow other methods mentioned below.

Closing Prompt Box on MS Word

In case you wish to close the Dialogue box in MS Word application, then follow these instructions carefully:

• First and foremost, tap the cross “X” tab by navigating the right-hand side panel at the top section for canceling the available prompt box.
• In case the prompt box appears on your screen, close the Word application and then rename the file as “Normal.dot.”
• Tap the key combinations: Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
• Now, you have to press the Power tab and then choose the Restart option.
• Then, check that this method works properly and fixes the issue creating the error message.

Fixing MS Word Issue by Using Keyboard

Sometimes, the error “Word can’t open a file while the dialog box is open” is removed when we use keyboard shortcut keys. You have to follow these guidelines to do the same: 

• Firstly, hit the OK tab when you encounter the error issue.
• Then, hit the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously and wait for some time.
• Repeat the same process if you are repeatedly facing this issue.

Scanning for Viruses using PC Repair Tool

Sometimes, a system issue appears due to malicious sites and programs. In order to remove viruses and harmful bugs, you need to scan your device properly. You may use reliable antivirus software such as PC Repair Tool. To do so, follow these instructions:

• First and foremost, download and install the PC Repair Tool on your device.
• Then, choose the Start Scan feature and tap on it to begin scanning your device.
• After that, press the Repair All option to troubleshoot the device to remove harmful glitches and viruses.
• Once you have fixed the issues on your system, reboot the device in order to save the changes that you have made to your device.
• Launch the Word application and then check that the issue is completely resolved.

The above-mentioned troubleshooting tips will help you fix the issue. In case, they do not work, then reinstall the Office suite.

SOURCE:- How to Fix “Word Can’t Do this Because a Dialog Box is Open” Error