↓
 
Home→Technical→works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor

works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor

Computer Aid Posted on by

A customer was having a few problems with her PC (mainly that the sound wasn’t working, and writing to DVD/CD wasn’t working).

I figure: easy enough… if the sound circuitry has failed, just insert a new sound card. Well, the new sound card also didn’t work.

So I eventually took the PC back to the office. A scan found an infection. I cleaned it all up, and returned the PC a few days later.

About a week later, customer calls saying she now has some different issues, from when I returned the PC… she cannot start the microsoft works word processor, she still cannot write to CDs, and her new webcam won’t work.

I go out again, and find that the way she was writing to CDs (drag and drop) no longer worked… maybe due to the infection)… but I quickly found a satisfactory workaround).

The webcam wouldn’t work with messenger because messenger was still configured to work with the old webcam… change some settings, and all is well.

That just leaves the work word processor…

I find I can start all the other works (V7) applications except for the WP. I ask about the WP CDs, but it seems that works was bundled with the PC when it was purchased (in England).

I manage to track down a version of works 7, and return again to uninstall and reinstall works 7… but after the reinstall, WP still won’t start (it keeps saying: works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor).

On top of it all, uninstalling works was made more difficult by errors like: “setup is unable to register tasks” I fixed that by manually starting the windows installer service (not sure why it didn’t start at system boot…).

A look on the net finds a shocking lack of information on how to fix the work word processor.

I eventually try:

  • uninstall works
  • norton uninstall utility (seems the system once had norton installed, and norton is a possible cause)
  • run the works uninstall cleanup utility (wks7rmxp.exe)… luckily the utility can be found on the installation CD.
  • Run the microsoft msicuu.exe utility, and remove any works leftovers.
  • reboot the system
  • Scan the registry for any leftover works entries, and remove them.
  • reboot the PC
  • reinstall works

And after all that: WP still won’t work (same error: works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor).

And converting works to another format? there is also a surprising lack of information (on the net) on how to do that also…

Customer doesn’t have MS office (and doesn’t want to pay for it)… so my only option is:

  • Install openoffice
  • copy all her works WP files (only about 40!). to my usb drive
  • use my version of office to convert the works files to word files
  • email the word files to the customer.

What a mess!… and I’ve developed a strong dislike for works!

Comments

works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor — 9 Comments

  1. “Works cannot access one or more files it needs to run Word Processor. The files may have been renamed,deleted or moved. Try reinstalling Works and starting program again.” Which I did but wordprocessor still gets same popup message. Anyone talk to MS WORKS? Everything but Works WP.

  3. Hi Gene,

    My original post did mention the ms removal tool (msicuu.exe).

    I went through many articles similar to the link you posted… all to no avail.

    It looks like microsoft have abandoned works (and have just quietly slipped in support for reading works files in office 2007).

    As far as I can see, if you have works, then microsoft have you by the xxxxx.

  4. Works cannot access one or more files it needs to run word processor

    Been having this problem for weeks. Spreadsheet worked fine but got error
    every time starting Works WP.

    Finally figured it out… turned off User Account Control under the User
    Accounts/Control Panel.

    Now starts fine. For me, this was a new computer and never used works before,
    so maybe the first time you use it or upgrade it writes something into the user
    account.

  5. Hi Craig,

    I’m glad you sorted it out.

    I gather you are using windows Vista.

    Given that my customer is using windows XP, then there is no UAC to turn off/on

  6. I got the same error message. One day Works Word Processor was fine and the next day it claimed that it couldn’t find a file it needed. Reinstall didn’t work. New VISTA 64-bit computer. Dial-up connection to Internet. Why do I mention this? Because Windows is constantly trying to download huge update files and failing to install updates. Since it’s going on invisible to me, I never realized so many were failing. Suggest clicking on Windows Update and then viewing HISTORY to see if any important updates failed. I’m doing it now. I’ll let you know if it fixes the Works Word problem.

  7. Nope. I went to a Wifi hotspot to download the 300MB of Windows Updates (!) because it would have taken days to do it on my dialup connection. After braving the pouring rain, Works Word Processor still gives me the same @#$@%$ MESSAGE about not being able to access the files it needs to run the word processor. I rebooted, reinstalled Works, did everything I knew how but still can’t get the word process. to work. All the other Works apps work ok. If anyone knows what the solution is, please post. Desperate.

  8. Thanks for the info Carla.

    In my case, my customer had Windows XP. I suspect the spyware infection was the trigger in her case.

    All I can suggest is move away from works… Its one of microsofts worst products (or maybe second-worst: after vista 🙂 ).

  9. Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out.
    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking
    and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Exceptional blog and superb design.

↑