29 replies to this topic

[paws]

Here's the instructions on how to uninstall an update:

 

http://windows.micro...e#1TC=windows-7

 

Let me know if you can find the update and uninstall it, otherwise we will move on to the next step.

Regards

paws

[terryfelter]

There is no 2007 update in the listed programs/updates.

[paws]

    Ok This is not looking good...Did you make a disc image that you can use to reimage your computer to a state when all the MSOffice applications were working well...?

If so then this may be worthwhile doing provided the image is reasonably up to date.

Regards

paws 

[terryfelter]

Unfortunately not.

[paws]

Ok

To get back to where you were ( without having a  working system Restore point, or Registry back up, or disc image) is likely to involve you in a great deal of work..... so you must be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort to achieve success

 

A good disc image would have everything back to normal in an hour or so with just a few clicks of the mouse, however if you haven't made one then its decision time for you:.

 

The options that you have left are a little limited but I've set them out below:

 

1 live with the situation with regard to MS Office and just use whatever is convenient to you.

 

2 Reinstall Windows on a formatted hard drive and reinstall MS Office 97 and whatever else you want... on Win 7 for example there will also be several hundred updates to complete, all your drivers to check download/update or copy from your back up and this will take a couple of days or so of full time 8am to 6pm work ( depending on the speed of your Internet connection) you will also need to configure your Email, Internet, back ups, images and then copy across all your data files, photos, documents, music etc. (and everything else) from your back ups kept on removable media ....... you will also need to reinstall your printer, set up your passwords and user names etc. Naturally you will need all your installations discs, downloaded executables, product serial numbers, including the one for Windows itself...You will need to ensure that the update that caused the problem is identified and then be careful that you do not download it again and install it again, undoing all the good work!

 

3 Uninstall All versions of MSOffice, and hunt down all the files/folders, services and Registry entries that are left behind by the uninstall process.....(there will be a lot of them!) don't miss any or this will not work, reboot after each stage and when you are absolutely sure you have eliminated all references to any form of MS Office, install MS Office 97 again and then anything else that you need ( others versions if you must)...... This process may take you longer to perform than the procedure set out in 2 above and there is no guaranteed that it will totally solve your problem, so the choice you have is not enviable! The comments about not installing again the troublesome update apply to this procedure as well!

 

Let us know how you get on

regards

paws

[terryfelter]

I was hoping to not have to do that.  I'm at work and don't have any of ther disks with me, I will try the uninstall/remove firstand see if that works.

[paws]

If you perform the uninstall you will need to remove all the items that are normally left over when a standard uninstall is done.... it can be a long and exacting task to track them all down, but if you leave any behind, then its unlikely that it will solve the problem...

Good luck!

Regards

paws

[terryfelter]

Long time since the last post to this subject, but:

 

I didn't do a reinstall of the OS, but gave that thought considerable weight.

 

What I did do was to go into the Registry and delete all keys for Office 12.0 (version 2007) and Office 15.0 (version 2013, supplied on the lap top but never purchased-so obsolete keys)

I know that is somewhat dangerous and I did export a copy of all the keys before and after the deletion.

After rebooting the lap, I find that 1997 links all work again.

 

Thanks for your time and suggestions, keep this procedure in your memory banks incase some one else has a similar problem.

 

Now to reinstall 2007 as people do send me files that 1997 or 2000 can not open.  Then ignore the security update for 2007 that started this whole mess.

[paws]

Well done, That's good to hear,

When its all to your liking, then don't forget those disc images!

Then if you hit software or OS problems in the future you can reimage and be back up and running again in less time than it takes to walk the dog!

Regards

paws

[terryfelter]

I've never created a disk image.  What software is required and what media?  I do have an external drive and many CD's.

[paws]

Here's a link to Macrrium that will do the job for you:

http://www.macrium.c...eflectfree.aspx

The free version will be just fine.
Make a boot disc using Macrium so you can access the disc image kept safe on your external ( USB) hard drive.

I can link you to a tutorial on what to do (if you get stuck and need a hand..

Regards
paws

[terryfelter]

No problems with the imaging, need to check the boot disk, but I'm very busy in the mornings when I start the lap and forget to insert the CD and change the boot sequence.  I will do this today.

Upon installation of 2007, there was a registration problem with 1997, "attempted to re-install as the pop-up suggested.  That resulted in an hour glass forever, started from the installation CD and everything works.  Perhaps trying to re-install an earlier version when later versions are installed is a no-no.

[paws]

Not quite sure if the installation of MS office 2007 was successful or not????
 
Its looking as though you might not have performed the steps outlined in para 3 of post 20......( uninstall all versions of MSOffice etc) ???
 
Having so many versions of MSoffice on your machine at the same time is likely to cause problems sooner or later...
Take a look at post 4 ..(excerpt below)

 

it is possible to have different versions running on the same machine... but its fraught with problems and better avoided unless absolutely essential....

 

 

Regards

paws

[terryfelter]

Only the three in the original post.  After running the applications from the CD, no more problems and yes 2007 is installed without any issues including the continued re-registration for Word and Excel that occurs after installation.  Added a Dword key for that nuisance. All appears to be as before the November security update.

I understand there may be other future issues, but lets deal with those when/if they occur.  One specific problem may be any update to Win 10, an unknown from my perspective. 

[paws]

Well done!

I reckon you have got a good result

 

As to the upgrade to Win10, Microsoft say that Office 2007 and onward are compatible ( with the exception of Office starter 2010)

 

However I know of folks who are successfully using Office 2003 with Win 10 and have heard of some using even earlier  versions.!.

 

One I have heard of is even running Office for Windows 95 on a Win 10 machine, and apparently it works OK.

 

Maybe you will be able to get your Office 97 working Ok as well if you to move to Win10.... However I would be inclined to check and double check your disc images before you try the switch ( that way you stand a good chance of being able to put it all back together so at least everything works, even if your operating system is then, not the most modern!

Regards

paws