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Fix Microsoft Word Only Showing Keep Text Only When Pasting from SQL
Question details
The user is unable to paste formatted text into Word from SQL or other external applications, as the application only provides a plain text paste option.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Copying data or formatted text from an SQL database tool or another external application and attempting to paste it into a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word drops all source formatting options and restricts the user to the 'Keep Text Only' paste option.
Ensure you have saved all your open documents and have your Microsoft Office account credentials available, as performing a system repair will close and restart your applications.
Run an Online Repair for Microsoft Office
Performing an Online Repair resolves issues caused by damaged Office components that prevent the clipboard from recognizing source formatting.
When Word behaves inconsistently across different computers, the local installation on the problematic machine is often corrupted. The Windows Control Panel offers a built-in Online Repair tool to replace damaged Office files without deleting your personal documents.
Save your work and completely close Microsoft Word, Excel, and any other running Office applications.
Click the Windows Start button, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and then click on 'Uninstall a program' (or 'Programs and Features').
Scroll through the list of installed programs, locate your version of Microsoft Office, click to select it, and then click the 'Change' button located at the top of the window.
In the pop-up dialog, select 'Online Repair' (do not choose Quick Repair, as it may not fix deeper clipboard issues) and click 'Repair'. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the repair finishes, restart your computer. Open Word and test pasting your content from SQL to see if the 'Keep Source Formatting' option is restored.
Check Word's Default Paste Settings
Verify that Word's internal settings haven't been accidentally configured to strip formatting from external programs by default.
Experience Seamless Formatting and Pasting with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with formatting errors when pasting from SQL or external apps, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight word processor that maintains complex formatting effortlessly.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and create a new blank document or open your existing .docx file.
- 3. Paste with formatting: Copy your data from the SQL application, right-click in the WPS Writer document, and select 'Keep Source Formatting' to preserve the original layout perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word suddenly only paste as unformatted text?
This typically occurs due to a corrupted Office installation, a background Windows update conflicting with the system clipboard, or restrictive default paste settings enabled in Word's Advanced Options.
Will an Online Repair delete my Word documents or settings?
No. An Online Repair only restores and fixes the core program files of Microsoft Office. Your personal documents, templates, and the vast majority of your custom settings will remain completely intact.
How can I paste from SQL with formatting without repairing Office right now?
As a temporary workaround, try pasting your SQL content into a middleman application that preserves rich text, such as WordPad or Excel. Then, copy the content from that application and paste it into Word.
What should I do if the Online Repair doesn't restore my paste options?
If the repair fails, verify that your Word application is fully updated by going to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. Additionally, try disabling third-party clipboard managers or Word Add-ins that might be interfering with pasting.
