Windows Integration Errors

How to Fix Runtime Error 53 MathPage.WLL Not Found in Word

Muhammad Talha Sep 27, 2026 877 views

Question details

Users need to resolve Runtime Error 53 indicating that the MathPage.WLL file cannot be found when attempting to copy or interact with equations in Microsoft Word.

How to Fix Runtime Error 53: MathPage.WLL Not Found in Word

Product: Microsoft Word (MathType/WIRIS Add-in)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying or inserting equations created with the third-party add-ins MathType or WIRIS inside a Word document.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays Runtime Error 53 stating MathPage.WLL is not found, and standard reinstallations of Word or the add-in do not resolve the issue.

Before you start

Verify whether your installation of Microsoft Office is the 32-bit or 64-bit version, as add-in files like MathPage.WLL must strictly match your Office architecture to function correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Move the MathPage.WLL File to the Word Startup Folder

Since the error occurs when Word fails to locate the WLL file automatically, manually placing it in the correct Startup directory is the most effective fix.

During the installation of MathType or WIRIS, the required dynamic link library (WLL) file sometimes fails to copy to the designated Microsoft Word startup folder due to permission restrictions or version mismatches.

Locate the MathPage.WLL file

Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer. Navigate to the MathType installation directory, typically located at 'C:\Program Files (x86)\MathType\MathPage'. Open either the 32-bit or 64-bit folder depending on your Office version, and copy the 'MathPage.WLL' file.

Find the Word Startup directory

In the File Explorer address bar, type or paste '%appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP' and press Enter to quickly navigate to the Microsoft Word Startup folder.

Paste the file and restart Word

Right-click inside the STARTUP folder and select 'Paste' to place the MathPage.WLL file there. Close any running instances of Microsoft Word and reopen the application to see if the error is resolved.

Manually Move the MathPage.WLL File to the Word Startup Folder

Check Hidden Folders: If you are navigating to the AppData folder manually, ensure that 'Hidden items' is checked in the View tab of File Explorer, as this folder is hidden by default.

Solution 2

Contact MathType Support for Specialized Assistance

If manual troubleshooting fails, reaching out directly to the third-party developer ensures you get the right support for your specific version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MathPage.WLL file used for in Word?

MathPage.WLL is a specialized dynamic link library file created by MathType. It acts as a bridge to integrate MathType's complex equation formatting features directly into Microsoft Word's interface.

Why didn't reinstalling Microsoft Office fix Runtime Error 53?

Since MathPage.WLL is a third-party file provided by MathType and WIRIS, it is not part of the standard Microsoft Office installation package. Reinstalling Office will not restore or fix missing third-party add-in files.

Where is the Microsoft Word Startup folder located?

By default in Windows, the Word Startup folder is located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP. Any valid add-in files placed here will load automatically when Word launches.

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