Fix Syriac Text Turning into Strange Characters After Reopening Word Document
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where Syriac text displays properly while working but turns into corrupted or strange characters after the Word document is saved, closed, and reopened.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reopening a saved Word document containing Syriac text.
- Observed behavior
- The Syriac text changes into unexpected, corrupted, or strange characters instead of displaying the correct font and script.
Before troubleshooting, make a copy of your document to prevent any accidental data loss, and ensure that the required Syriac fonts are correctly installed on your computer.
Disable Automatic Document Style Updates
Prevent Word from automatically overriding your font settings by disabling style updates from the attached document template.
Sometimes, the attached document template forces a style update every time the file is opened. This can override complex scripts like Syriac with a default font that does not support the characters, causing them to appear corrupted.
If the Developer tab is not visible, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check the box for 'Developer', and click OK.
Navigate to the Developer tab on the ribbon and click on 'Document Template' or 'Word Add-ins'.
In the Templates and Add-ins dialog box, locate the 'Automatically update document styles' option. Uncheck this box, click OK, and save your document.
Test in Safe Mode and Run Office Repair
Running Word in Safe Mode helps identify if add-ins are causing the font corruption, while repairing Office fixes underlying installation issues.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Font and Formatting Compatibility
If Microsoft Word continues to corrupt complex text scripts or requires tedious software repairs, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that renders multilingual text flawlessly and safeguards your document formatting.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the brief on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
- 3. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and easily open your existing documents to view your original fonts without corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do strange characters appear instead of my specific font?
This usually happens when the document's template forces a style update upon reopening, reverting complex texts to a default font that doesn't support the characters, or if the required font isn't properly installed on the system.
Does embedding fonts in the Word document prevent this issue?
Yes. You can go to File > Options > Save and check 'Embed fonts in the file'. This ensures that custom scripts like Syriac display correctly, even if opened on a system that doesn't natively have the font installed.
What is Safe Mode in Microsoft Word?
Safe Mode starts Word without loading custom add-ins, templates, or personal settings. It helps you troubleshoot and determine if a third-party plugin or a corrupted customization is causing your text display issues.
Will an Office Online Repair delete my files?
No, an Office Online Repair only reinstalls and fixes the Microsoft Office application system files. Your personal documents, including Word files, remain safe and untouched.
