MS Publisher very slow to load and locks once it does.

Sigurd · Jul 8, 2023

I asked this question on the MS forum but got no replies, Usually get much better support here where all the bright guys hang out!

My Publisher installation loads very slowly and then freezes. I can't figure out why. I have a slightly different problem with Word but that just goes very slow at times. Your answers may well apply to that as well.

Since I can't think of any other way to deal with this and it is a technique often advised, I want to uninstall Publisher (and Word) and then reinstall. Outlook works fine so I don't want that touched and risk having to reset everything in my account.

How can I do this please?

Rollback_Jockey · Jul 8, 2023

Have you tried the SFC and DISM repairs, the issues may not actually be office issues. You can repair the individual apps.

OAT · Jul 8, 2023

Sigurd said:
My Publisher installation loads very slowly and then freezes. I can't figure out why. I have a slightly different problem with Word but that just goes very slow at times. Your answers may well apply to that as well.

Hi, SFC checks system files and DISM checks installed images such as WPAs.
Those will not help you unless there is an OS problem. And that type of system-wide problem would manifest itself elsewhere.
There is no mention of the version in your post. Is it 32 bit or 64-bit Office?
Either way, an attempt at repair will NOT wipe out your settings and I would try that first.

Sigurd · Jul 8, 2023

I tried SFC and it made several repairs but didn't help with my problem. I went to my MS Office account and installed Office. Gave no options - jus went and did it. It did something at least but gave no indictation of what.
In OAT's screen grab above a repair option is shown. Where is that? I couldn't find it.
At some point Publisher started loading at the usual speed, but locked immediately.
I tried various things and managed to get into Options and checked all those. Nothing appeared unusual until I clicked on Customise ribbon - all option boxes blank. Same for Quick Access.

It is 64 bit Office. Latest version.

Sigurd · Jul 9, 2023

Just to update.
Because SFC had found errors and it had been suggested I thought I would try a Windows repair. Did not solve the problem.

Only answer I think is to reinstall Publisher but I am struggling to find how to do this. I tried the Office repair but that did nothing. What I think I need to do but can't see how to do is to uninstall Publisher (ie remove all the Publisher files) and then reinstall fresh.

That option is well hidden! Looks like only option is to do an uninstall of Office but even that seems a problem. I get the impression that the apps are just switched off not removed allowing a refund.

There must be a way to just delete Publisher. and do a clean reinstall. Will continue looking but would appreciate suggestions.

OAT · Jul 9, 2023

What I think I need to do but can't see how to do is to uninstall Publisher (ie remove all the Publisher files) and then reinstall fresh.

A lot of thinking but very little of it correct, sadly.
Repairing Windows was a big waste of time and trying to remove Publisher is also a bad idea.
Office uses shared libraries and components across its suite so you can't just delete one program and think all will be well.
You want assistance but you still haven't provided anyone with your version of Office, of Publisher, if it's 32 or 64 bits.
I provided you with screenshots, please do the same in order to receive further advice.

wiganken · Jul 9, 2023

Can you confirm that your version of Microsoft Office is the 'professional' version please? Publisher is included in this but not the non-pro version and I was wondering if you have the non-Pro version and tried to install Publisher on top. This should not be possible but just thought I would ask the qusetion.

Sigurd · Jul 9, 2023

Thanks for the continuing help.
Reinstalling Windows was worthwhile as it solved 2 or 3 other minor issues and it was due for a clean up anyway, but I take your point.
I did provide answer re version two posts back - Office 64 bit, not sure version number but its Office 365 and on auto update. And just checked any it is latest version. My question re deleting Publisher and re-installing is because that is often a way of solving an intractable problem.
So basically I have a problem with Publisher, rest of Office apps are fine. I haven't provided a screen shot (but have now) as I doubt it would help. Attached now. I got there by opening Publisher and trying to open either a new or existing file. Nothing you see works. I can Alt Tab to other loaded apps but the only way to close Publisher is via Task Manager and End task.

Sigurd · Jul 9, 2023

I have the Office Pro version. It has been working fine for months until a few days ago, then something odd happened while saving a document. Can't really describe it. It failed to save and initially it looked as if I had lost the file nut then it re-appeared. Sorry I know that is not helpful.

OAT · Jul 9, 2023

I don't understand why you are having this issue with Publisher.
My advice to you is to do a full uninstall of Office. Reboot.
Following the reboot, make sure that there is nothing left in C:\Program Files\ pertaining to Office.
There could be as many as 3 folders there:
Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office 15 & Microsoft Office 16.
If present still, those have to be deleted.
This will not remove any of your personal documents.
Double check there is no Office folder in c:\Program Files(x86), there shouldn't be.
Once this is done, try to re-install Office altogether from your settings/Accounts pane.
I wish you the best of luck.

Sigurd · Jul 9, 2023

Thsi is weird. As suggested I removed Office and reinstalled (though now it seems to be called Microsoft 365 and Office). Anyway, all apps installed, all works but still a Publisher problem. As before loaded Publisher and tried to load a document. As before, document didn't load and App locked up. So I sat and looked at the screen wondering what to do next. Then after about 45 seconds (I timed it next time) document loaded and all was well. I repeated it several times. After the first time I could load and save different documents with out delay. If I closed Publisher and then reloaded it, the delay was there again.
If need be I can live with that as I don't use Publisher more than 2 or 3 times a month but it would be nice to fix. Why the delay?

OAT · Jul 10, 2023

Now that we have eliminated issues tied to Office itself, I think the problem is tied to the documents you are trying to open.
But you do not mention what they are.

Sigurd · Jul 10, 2023

I though of that possibility and I have tried opening both new and old documents, all of which opened without any problems before this issue arose. makes no difference. I've tried both recent documents and ones created years ago. Most of the documents are booklets, leaflets & guides - history, church, village community magazine.

Some, not all, and old and new, sometimes show the message below on opening. I've never figured out what triggers it but as I am now satisfied there is no issue, I just click on Disable and carry on.

OAT · Jul 10, 2023

Had you shown that first, we would have saved a lot of time.
This is not an error, this is a security notice.
Please follow the directives from these linked documents.

Add, remove, or change a trusted location in Microsoft Office - Microsoft Support

A trusted location is a folder that contains files you're confident are safe. See how to add, remove, or change a trusted location in Microsoft Office.

support.microsoft.com

Add, remove, or view a trusted publisher - Microsoft Support

Learn what trusted publishers are and how to add, view, or remove them.

support.microsoft.com

Your files are on D: and therefore, not scanned by your antivirus if set to default, so an error is thrown.
You might have some macros or java code embedded in them as well.

Sigurd · Jul 10, 2023

We'll have to disagree on this one. I'm sorry if you feel I have wasted your time on this. I don't feel it has wasted my time as I feel that I always learn something from problem solving.

This particular warning, which I was well aware was a security message and not an error, has been appearing with certain Publisher files for months if not years, with certain files, usually larger ones. Having satisfied myself that "the content (did not) contain malware and I trusted the source" I disable it and have seen no repercussions. Also throughout this time I have not had the problem under discussion which has only been evident over the past week or so. I am also aware that virus checkers only check the system file as a routine. Mine is set like that but I also regularly carry out a full scan of all my drives monthly. That is one of the first things I did when the problem arose and before contacting this forum.
However, as you clearly are far more knowledgeable than I am on this subject, I carried out your suggestion. I'm afraid it made no difference.

As I said, the issue is a nuisance, but I can, and it looks like I will have to, live with it as it only means a delay before it starts working.

Thanks for your time and help.

OAT · Jul 10, 2023

We'll have to disagree on this one. I'm sorry if you feel I have wasted your time on this. I don't feel it has wasted my time as I feel that I always learn something from problem solving.

@Sigurd , I am sorry if it sounded harsh. Us computer folks tend to sound that way at times.
But it is a lame excuse and I never said you wasted my time; I said time would have been saved.
I would not roam this site if I did not find some enjoyment and teaching is a part of it.
I am glad you are happy with the final outcome, even though it is not perfect.

Sigurd · Jul 10, 2023

@OAT - The problems of communicating by text. Emotions are read into it that don't exist. I'm sure no annoyance or harshness was intended by either of us.
Thanks again.

MS Publisher very slow to load and locks once it does.

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