Word cannot start the spelling checker

Problem

When you open a certain document in Word for Mac 2011, you get the following error:

“Word cannot start the spelling checker. The spelling checker files may be missing. Make sure the spelling checker files are installed or use the Microsoft Office Installer to install the spelling checker.”

Cause

The document may have been originally created from another version of Word and contain incompatible formatting.

Solution

If you cannot quit Word:

  1. Press cmd + alt + Esc to show the Force Quit window.
  2. In the list, click Microsoft Word.
  3. Click the Force Quit button.

Update Microsoft Office 2011:

  1. Open Word.
  2. On the top menu, click Help, then Check for Updates.
  3. Click the Check for Updates button.
  4. Install all available updates until there are no more.

If that doesn’t work:

  1. Open a blank document in Word.
  2. On the top menu, click Word, then Preferences.
  3. On the first row, click Spelling and Grammar.
  4. Under the Spelling heading, uncheck “Check spelling as you type”.
  5. Under the Grammar heading, uncheck “Check grammar as you type”.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Open the document that you were previously having trouble with.
  8. Press cmd + A to select all text in the document.
  9. On the top menu, click Tools, then click Language.
  10. Select your preferred language in the list and click OK.
  11. Save the document.
  12. If you wish, you can revert the settings that you changed in steps 4 and 5.
Published
Categorized as Word Tagged ,

35 comments

  9. I have tried your advice, but when I re open my word application the same file opens and the same warning appears: “Word cannot start the spelling checker. The spelling checker files may be missing. Make sure the spelling checker files are installed or use the Microsoft Office Installer to install the spelling checker.” I tried to change the file from its location, but it does not work, please help!

    Reply

  13. I have problem: “Word cannot start the spelling checker. The spelling checker files may be missing……”
    I tried to follow the instruction given. But the problem I cannot open Word, as soon as I opened it, this message is attached simultaneously and then I have to force quit again. I tried to go to Preference but this is disabled. What can I do?

    Reply

  14. I tried but to no avail…! The same document opens up whenever I reboot my mac, I tried using the Force Quite Button, which does close the word, but when I open word again, the same document appears on the screen with the same popup icon which states: “Word cannot start the spell checker….use the Microsoft Office Installer to install the spelling checker.”

    Is there any other way for the Word to work again? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Reply

  22. It has worked in solving the problem. Thank you for saving me, my job was at stake. Be blessed.

    Reply

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