You receive an error message when you try to close or to save a Word 2003 document (823585)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Word 2003
For a Microsoft Word 2002 version of this article, see 320475.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to save or close a Word 2003 document, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Visual C ++ Runtime Library Runtime Error
Program: WINWORD.EXE
abnormal program termination
When you click OK, Word quits.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if one of the following conditions is true:
  • The Normal.dot template is corrupted or damaged.
  • A Word 2003 add-in is corrupted or damaged.
  • The Norton AntiVirus Office plug-in (OfficeAV.dll) is corrupted or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use the following methods as appropriate for your situation.

Method 1: Rename the Normal.dot Template

Note When you rename Normal.dot, a global template, options are reset to their default settings. These options include custom styles, custom toolbars, macros, and AutoText entries. Therefore, Microsoft strongly recommends that you do not delete your Normal.dot file.

Certain configurations can create more than one Normal.dot file. These configurations include multiple versions of Word on the same computer and several workstation installations on the same computer. In these situations, make sure that you rename the correct copy of Normal.dot.

Method 2: Remove the Word in Works Suite Add-in

To remove the add-in, follow these steps:
  1. Quit your Microsoft Works programs.
  2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  3. Click Add or Remove Programs.
  4. Click Change or Remove Programs.
  5. In the Currently installed programs list, click Microsoft Works Suite Add-in for Microsoft Word, and then click Remove.
  6. Click Yes to the following message:Are you sure you want to remove Microsoft Works Suite Add-in for Microsoft Word from your computer?

Method 3: Remove Word Add-ins

When you start Word, Word automatically loads templates and add-ins that are located in the startup folders. Problems in Word may be the result of conflicts or problems with an add-in. To determine if an add-in in a startup folder is causing the problem, temporarily delete the registry setting that points to these add-ins.

Method 4: Remove Word COM Add-ins

COM add-in programs can be installed in any location. They are installed by programs that interact with Word.

Method 5: Norton AntiVirus 2003, Norton SystemWorks 2003, Norton AntiVirus 2002, or Norton SystemWorks 2002 Is Installed

Use the Live Update feature in Norton to update the Norton Office plug-in. For more information about your Norton AntiVirus or Norton SystemWorks software, see your product documentation.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the Norton AntiVirus Office plug-in, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

329820 How to use Office programs with the Norton AntiVirus Office plug-in

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/26/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB823585 kbAudEndUser
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