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Office .EXE files cannot be located

I have Windows 10, I have been having trouble opening Office ever since installing Windows 10. I have done a manual removal, a quick repair, a full repair, and even used the quick fix tool from Microsoft. The install goes great, even says you are ready to use your Office products. I then go to start menu and choose an Office program, that is where the problem starts. When I choose the shortcut nothing happens. I right click, choose run as admin, I get the error message saying the file can't be found. I have even gone into to root file to find the .EXE files only to get the same message. I have not been able to use any of my Office programs since upgrading to Windows 10. Is there any solution?

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Do you mean that when you right click on OUTLOOK.EXE and chose Run as Administrator you get the same popup message re 'cannot find...'?  
Microsoft Office Professional 2021
Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019
Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013
Microsoft Office Professional 2003
Windows 10 Professional
HP ProBook 470 G4

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I get the error message ANY time I try to access any of the .exe files for Office. I receive the error both as an admin and a normal user.  

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Run the system file checker, sfc see if that repairs the win installation

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

Contributor since 2006
Currently win11 Pro & O365 Bus, multiple devices

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I ran the system file checker but it found no corrupted files. Any other suggestions?

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Try using the Microsoft Uninstall tool which will remove any leftovers which a manual removal leaves. Use Option 2 - Completely uninstall Office with the easy fix tool  You can then reinstall a clean version of your Office.
Microsoft Office Professional 2021
Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019
Microsoft Office Home and Business 2013
Microsoft Office Professional 2003
Windows 10 Professional
HP ProBook 470 G4

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I used the Uninstall tool several times. I finally decided to try to reload Windows 10 to see if I would have better luck. Good news, bad news on the results. The good news is that my Office programs are all working as usual, the bad news is I am reloading all the other software I had on my laptop. I am frustrated but happy at the same time. Thank you all for your help and suggestions! 

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Last updated April 12, 2025 Views 2,306 Applies to: