Can't edit my word docs

Question

Can't edit my word docs

niamh gallagher 5

i cant edit or change anything on my word documents

Part Number: HPSL2LL/A, purchase date, July 17 2004 at Apple store Seattle

niamh gallagher 5 Reputation points

2026-08-23T13:21:29.67+00:00

Help!

2 answers

Your answer

niamh gallagher 5 Reputation points

2026-08-23T13:21:29.67+00:00

Help!

Answer 1

DaveM121 929K Independent Advisor

There are a couple of widely reported problems with the Office apps on an Apple Mac at the moment caused by the July update, are you seeing an 0x0 error in the Office apps.

1

Just checking, you indicate you purchased your licence in 2004, is that actually 2024, and if so, is that a Microsoft 365 subscription, or a standalone Office 2024 licence.

2

At the top left of your Desktop, click the Apple icon and select 'About this Mac', what version of MacOS is installed on your computer?

niamh gallagher 5 Reputation points

2026-08-25T14:20:38.81+00:00

Thanks for your answer, I had my problem solved with the help of a very patient and helpful Microsoft operator on the Help Chat.

The problem was indeed with the update of Microsoft software...I had a stand alone package purchased in 2024 of a 2021 package which stopped working with the automatic update.
DaveM121 929K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-25T14:22:31.13+00:00

That is great news, I am glad their support operator was able to resolve this problem for you

Answer 2

If you are running Big Sur or earlier, Microsoft has reduced Office to view-only status. Here is Microsoft's page announcing their abandonment of users on older Macs, with disingenuous advice about upgrading your macOS version: Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device

As alternatives to Office for Mac under Big Sur, you can use Word for the web or Google Docs. For desktop software, take a look at open-source LibreOffice, which has good compatibility with Office file formats.

If you're adventurous, Open Core Legacy Patcher allows you to run newer versions of macOS on older Macs. You can install up to Sequoia (Tahoe is not supported). I have a 2011 MacBook Pro running Sequoia and the current edition of Office.

If you are running Monterey or newer and are using Office 2021 or better, you may be experiencing a bug in a recent update. Please try the steps on this page: Unknown Error 0x0 or License not found error in Microsoft 365 or Office running on macOS