Microsoft Word 2007 - There was a problem sending the command to the program - Fix

Difficulty Level: Intermediate
This is an intermediate level tutorial that shows how to potentially fix the problem, " There was a problem sending the command to the program" on start up of Microsoft Word 2007. This fix is also known to fix start up problems with Excel 2007, and Powerpoint 2007. This tutorial was done on a Windows 7 PC.
Background: It sounds as though the DDE setting for the .doc and/or .docx extensions are broken.
Fix: You might want to "re-register" Word's file extensions, which simply involves using the /r startup switch.
Alternative Temporary Fix
• Video
Disclaimer:
I do not work for Microsoft. This tutorial was made to be informative but does not replace the professional advice an A+ or MCSE certified person could give you. Please seek a paid professional for mission critical assignments.
Thank you,
iTorial

[@mbodholdt]

It worked .. thanks so much .. Can't wait to try it on my kitchen laptop. This issue has plagued me for months.

[@stevencassidy3995]

I did this and the suggestion by PureEntertainment simultainiously - don't know which one worked but my problem is solved. Thank you both, AzLizard!

[@isherwoodme]

After searching all the "solutions" on the internet, here's what actually DID work for me. Word 2007 on Windows 8.1. Right-click on the icon. Mine is in the taskbar, so the little menu pops up with the program name. Right click on that again, and click "Properties". Under the "Compatibility" tab, UNcheck the "Run this program as an Administrator" box and hit "Apply". Poof! No more error on opening MS Word 2007 documents. No other fancy stuff necessary.

[@richardkomar8765]

easiest fix for my saved docx that didnt want to open...... cheers Mark

[@raizeldeestrama2818]

Thank you so much Mark Isherwood for providing a such great help. I finally got rid of the error "There was a problem sending the command to the program" on my Microsoft Word 2007.

[@juliesdroidsync]

Mark Isherwood Thanks! all other results I tried didn't work, and I was getting really frustrated! I'm so glad I happened to read your comment. This also works on Win7

[@sherrybronner8574]

Mark Isherwood I was going to try this, but the option was already unchecked. I'm still encountering the error.

[@GotLegsConsulting]

This worked for me yesterday..........until later in the day when the problem reoccurred. I have ran it again now and it's worked for the time being. What causes this problem? It's worked fine for years and all of a sudden this is happening - very inconvenient. :-) thanks for the help so far

[@saurabhonker3850]

Thanks!! It worked. You can enhance your tutorial by adding space between the 'exe' and the '/r' in your audio.

[@mrfreebow6030]

True

[@spidermonkey202202]

I really appreciate your video! I cannot explain how much research I have done to find the right fix. Thank you!

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for your comment, glad it worked for you.

[@JohnofRuth]

I did this but it failed to work after configuring. Do you have any suggestions about what else I can do?

[@the1machado]

I guess it does not work on Windows 10 . . . does anything old? I tried being online and being offline. Either way it went though the process but the dialog box problems still persists.

[@Mersthamgal1]

Thanks that worked - was pulling my hair out reading all the info and your little video was very easy to follow. Thanks

[@teasi7706]

Thanks so much!!! I had a problem with this for a long time and now it's finally fixed!

[@TravelOnRoadsPraveenJose]

I tried but couldn't make it ok, the same error message is ayill coming there while opening Word document..

[@intelligentutorials]

Maybe you could try saving the file first, then opening it in word. You could also try saving the file before opening it and then try the 'Alternative Temporary Fix' listed in the description box above. There may be some compatibility issues with the online software your school is using. I am not familiar with the online school software you are using. Are you using school loops?

[@intelligentutorials]

Try this (even though it may seem weird). Drag your document directly into Word while it is open and see if you can open the file that way. It's worth a shot!

[@Leetphreak]

This worked for me! Thanks a lot you saved me lots of time. I spent around 1 hour trying different things. Cheers!

[@marinos6467]

It worked! Simple and fast solution! Many thanks! It was really annoying!

[@artnshel]

I'm still on Word 2000 and have the same problem in Windows 7. This didn't fix it. Any other suggestions?

[@kipokerfan]

This did not work for me. I can open and use word just fine. However, I get the "there was a problem sending the command to the program" message when I try to download a doc file from my school website. It just brings up a blank word document window with not ribbon buttons active and nothing in the page area. In an underlying window, I get the message. Dan.

[@kkl266]

when i open new file (blank file) its ok but when i opened existing file (any word file) on my laptop its show "there was a problem sending the command to the program" i try your method but it doesnt work.. please help... thanks..

[@alissamccall]

kkl266 I have the same problem! I'll let you know if I find anything that works for this issue~

[@kkl266]

Alissa McCall solved : iunistall my microsoft office and run tweaking.com - windows repair v3.4.0 free download its repair window system or anything missing confg, and after complete i restart window and reinstall microsoft office and done..

[@bhuwannepathya]

can u plz have any solution for the autocad 2007 application having the same problem?..it also says the application has stopped working

[@cristelzechcuyana]

Tysm, do you also have a solution for excel?

[@techtube1152]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIrdcq1-ibx5p8k

[@jcraia]

This fix didn't work for me. I am on a 64bit, Windows 7 computer . Any other suggestions. Thanks.

[@gortraz8371]

Worked thank you. I don't know what happened to cause this error. Everytime I opened Word I'd get this error. Fixed now.

[@carlhamilton7189]

The winword fix didn't work for my windows 7 word 2007. However right clicking on the word icon, then properties, click on compatibility, check the run this program in compatibility mode for change to whatever system your running and apply. Mine was on XP and I had to change to windows 7.

[@joannef7912]

This is "sort of my problem" but not exactly. The problem for me is that when I double click directly on a file (on my desktop or in a folder) I get the error about the command not getting to the program. All that happens is that the Word or Excel program opens up. For me to open an actual file .... I have to go thru the File ... Open .... routine. What do I need to do to fix this ?????

[@kenblankenship4553]

+JoAnne Flynn I had the same problem, I right clicked on the Word Icon and went into properties and my "run as administrator" box was checked. I my unchecked and my compatibility mode was set to XP so I changed it to Windows 7 as that is what I run... I hope that helps...

[@PhuongPNg]

I have office 2013... and it didn't work for me...the fixit program from microsoft didn't work either... I actually use windows on a macbook pro... any advice? when I clicked on the excel or word file there is only the error message, I cannot even open word or excel... :( thanks

[@malcolmwhite7743]

I don't have a problem loading a blank wordsheet or spreadsheet as you have on your video, my problem is with saved spreadsheets.

[@halasaad9522]

me too

[@adawong4250]

What Do u mean vy click return ?

[@intelligentutorials]

Try this... Drag your document directly into Word while it is open and see if you can open the file that way. It may not be exactly what your asking but it may help you open up the documents in question.

[@mhndsh]

i have the problem whever open a docx... but not when open winword itself.. i tried many suggested methods but did't solve. the strange thing is: i don't have the error when the network cable is unpluged or the NIC is disabled.. what is the relation between word and network!!!

[@zanthercarreos2115]

how can i click return 1:12

[@christiandelossantos9202]

my Ms word 2007 worked normally,(no problem) but my "MS excel" file cannot open and is says that "there was a problem sending the command to the program" PLEASE HELP :(

[@intelligentutorials]

You may need to try a different excel disk, or reinstall from your original excel disk. The error may not go away if your copy of excel is not genuine as well.

[@intelligentutorials]

Which version of MS Word? Did you try the temporary fix too, listed in the above description box? (please click the "show more" button/link) What is the exact error message you are getting?

[@JohnofRuth]

When I typed in the command 'winword.exe/r ' I received back the following ' No items match your search' What can I do?

[@JohnofRuth]

I just read Steve Fitzer's comment to make sure there is aspace between the "exe" and "/r". Now I can find the file.

[@chessguru900]

It is important to put space between the word exe and /r like this: winword.exe /r otherwise it won't come up. Still didn't fix it.

[@SirChevy]

I often open Word files from File Explorer. This is the only time I get this error message, and this fix didn't correct this.

[@garryestrada7700]

Actually i can open word documents, but if i go to Windows explorer of attempt to open a downloaded word document I get the error, " There was a problem sending the command to the program. I tried the above tutorial but it did NOT fix the problem. Does anyone have a other suggestions?

[@SuperMp2009]

It worked, THANK YOU! It was driving me nuts

[@NurainiMardiyah]

Thanks it's very helpful

[@shivanjaliroy8067]

Really helpful it is🤩🤩

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for watching! I have newer tutorials being released weekly now too.

[@escSocial]

I have had the same problem. This solution did not work for me. I went into the properties after clicking on the word icon, went to compatibility, then change settings for all users, and found that it was set to administrator. I unticked the box, and FINALLY, my word is working correctly again...

[@martingarcia1615]

I'm sorry but it didn't work for me, I hope you can share an other idea thanks

[@intelligentutorials]

Glad the video helped, thanks for watching.

[@binaway]

Ive tried a few fixes but this has worked....

[@sherrybronner8574]

This did not work on Windows 7 running Microsoft Word 2007. Continued to receive the error.

[@kenblankenship4553]

+Sherry Bronner I had the same problem, I right clicked on the Word Icon and went into properties and my "run as administrator" box was checked. I my unchecked it and changed my compatibility mode was set to XP so I changed it to Windows 7 as that is what I run... I hope that helps...

[@anneik100]

What worked for me was clicking on the Word icon, going to Properties, and I saw it was set to be compatible with Windows XP. I changed to Windows 7 and voila! All is well.

[@jhonlubis8131]

Jessica Eik hai jes,it works! fortunately i saw your comment in below these video.Thank you very much

[@ronray69]

+Jessica Eik thanks Jessica this problem has been bugging for months - your suggestion did the trick R.J.

[@luisdato7955]

+Jessica Eik THIS COMMENT IS THE GOAT. I MEAN COME ONE MAN THIS ACTUALLY FIXED IT

[@lakmal1st]

+Jessica Eik save my time thanks mate..(should always read comments)

[@davebrown7558]

THANK YOU. THAT TOOK CARE OF IT FOR ME TOO. HIS VIDEO DID NOT WORK

[@mohammedsafrin644]

it didn't work for me if you can give me another idae

[@anandkrishnan3428]

i typed winword.exe/r . nothing happened . only the search box opened. kindly assist.

[@wiengo509]

Make sure there's a space before the "/"

[@doitek]

winword /r

[@AshtonArcher]

Nope won't work for me. Can't open ANY MS Office 2007 programs!

[@intelligentutorials]

Hmm, that's an older version for sure, but you could try this... (Please see description box for new link.) It is not a permanent fix but may help you get to your document that you are trying to access.

[@redanzl]

It didn't work on Windows 7 - Word 2007.

[@santhoshsathish3122]

windows 7 ms word 2007 not working

[@Cas12321]

wow it did work ,thanks .

[@pradi0072]

it worked in seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank u buddy

[@goutam1077]

winword.exe/r file not found in computer

[@ceet01]

Mark - Brilliant & thanks for posting this.

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for the comment!

[@stevefitzer233]

A good fix, but you forgot one crucial element: "Make sure there is a space between the 'exe' and the '/r'."

[@JohnofRuth]

Thanks! I was wondering why I kept getting the 'No items match your search' message.

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for watching, hope it fixes your laptop too.

[@1ArmyWidow]

I still cannot open some files, others open just fine.

[@sheillamuller2305]

Very grateful. I am so relieved.

[@bazsa278]

The solution for me was to change the default printer in the Windows settings.

[@jazonalejandro4535]

The winword does not open

[@Ghasakable]

I found that if you uninstall the tuneup utilities 2013, then no problem

[@choiren2413]

oh no. this did not work for me. actually, i have had this problem with my Microsoft Excel 2010 for 2 weeks and it drove me crazy, even i couldn't open the Excel file. nothing in my files appears until it says " there was a problem sending the command to the program". anyone can help me, please? those files are very important to me. thank you in advance

[@intelligentutorials]

Anytime, glad it was able to help you too. : )

[@bodabhanodai3000]

winword.exe /r highlight in the above then right click --run as administrator

[@JohnofRuth]

Thank you, Boda. This worked! Problem solved!

[@carlamulet4600]

It worked! Thanks a lot!

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for watching!

[@EbenezerRodrigues]

Thanks!! It works!! Amazing tutorial!

[@annachen7420]

it worked! Greatly appreciated

[@Ghothane]

how about excel file please help.

[@tyndalechike3572]

WOW!!! it worked...good one. thanks

[@hayatiyati3082]

It worked. Thank you.

[@almondsyiem1999]

sad to say this didn't work for me

[@filipogrenjac1630]

If you can't open a file just open word and then double click on your file and it will open.

[@dibrico]

It did work for me! Thanks :-)

[@khooburnet]

it worked! Tq very much.

[@sekharamdola]

Yes.It worked for me.Thanks .

[@falacouk]

Job done, cheers :)

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for watching.

[@Louis_Davout]

Well I sure wish this would have worked for me, but alas it didn't

[@RobinAsherrr]

It didn't work for Word 2007.

[@hladami4]

No, your solutions is not working at all. I did all your steps. The Microsoft also do not have any working solution.

[@dr.fayazlone5175]

Thank You

[@MrTicalegenda]

Nice man, ty

[@intelligentutorials]

Thanks for watching!

[@khaja2500]

not working

[@VishnuKumar-xv2wy]

Didn't work ...

[@anglis2]

Thank you, it worked! :)

[@CentsTwo]

didn't work

[@zoolander2105]

So! helpful.

[@daryltonks1395]

didnt work for me sorry

[@woolybear1962]

Did not seem to help at all !

[@MythBusters017]

Thanks .. It worked ... :)

[@TheMenMontage]

thanks a lot

[@karthik22011991]

tysm

[@vonrobert3797]

thanks its work... :)

[@Jaishriram1982]

Ok

[@umeshsah1981]

Confuse boy kyu Video Banata hai jabki tumko kuchhh nahi ata hai.................

[@fallahgetrite]

the message there was a problem sending the command to the program only happens when I try to open a certain file...even when I followed your instructions it takes me straight to my files...please help!!