Cannot open any Office 2010 applications all of a sudden. All the desktop icons have disappeared. I get this message when trying to start any Office app. Have checked my Office data files on another computer and they are fine.

What has suddenly gone wrong? Have been using this version of Office on my Windows 7 PC for years.

I can't think of any other possible fix at the moment other then re-installing Office.

Any advice?

Hi David,

Based on your description, I want to ask your 2 questions about your issue.

1. Did you know the architecture of Windows and Office in your computer? (32bit or 64bit)

2. Did you install any updates or programs in your computer?

First of all please check the programs and updates in your computer and try to uninstall them.

Then I suggest you try to repair your Office.

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Click Programs and Features.
3. Click the Office application, and then click Change.
4. Click Repair > Continue.

After repairing Office if your issue still exists, you need to unistall Office from your computer completely, and download a new installation package to install it.

There are several ways to uninstall Office from your computer, please refer to this link:

https://support.office.com/en-ca/article/Uninstall-or-remove-Office-2010-90635a1d-aec8-4653-b358-67e1b766fc4d

Please try these methods and if you have any update please let me know.

I'm glad to help and follow up your reply.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su

I have gone to look at system restore points on the computer which has 64 bit OS and see that a Windows Update is without doubt the culprit in this whole saga.  What would happen if I restored the system to what is was before the Microsoft imposed critical office updates that were foisted upon me?

My cut back to the System Restore point preceding the offending Windows Update has been successful. How do I know what I should be avoiding in the way of Microsoft updates going forward? Will I potentially miss out on critical updates because they could damage my Office installation?

Hi David,

Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability.  You can also set Windows to automatically install recommended updates, which can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience.

So usually we recommend users to install the latest update. If you don't want to install update automatically under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.

I suggest you refer to this articel:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/turn-automatic-updating-on-off#turn-automatic-updating-on-off=windows-7

Hope it's helpful.

Regards,

Emi Zhang
TechNet Community Su