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Fix Microsoft Word Crashing Immediately After Opening on Windows 10
Question details
Microsoft Word closes immediately upon startup on Windows 10, often generating a BEX event error with exception code c0000005.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Office XP)
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Launching the Microsoft Word application.
- Observed behavior
- The application terminates shortly after startup, triggering a BEX event fault and exception code c0000005, making it impossible to edit documents.
Before proceeding with system changes, save all open work in other applications and ensure you have administrative privileges to run system recovery tools.
Perform a System Restore
Roll back your Windows 10 operating system to an earlier point in time before the Word crashing issue started.
If Microsoft Word recently started crashing and your system configuration has changed, reverting to a previous system state can undo the software conflict or update causing the BEX event.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run window.
Type 'RSTRUI' into the Run box and press Enter or click OK.
Follow the on-screen prompts and select a restore point dated before Microsoft Word started crashing.
Confirm your selection and allow Windows to restart and apply the system restore.
Upgrade to a Supported Office Version
Replace unsupported, outdated Office software like Office XP with a modern suite to resolve severe Windows 10 compatibility crashes.
Avoid Legacy Office Crashes with WPS Office
If your older version of Microsoft Word keeps crashing on Windows 10, switch to WPS Office. It is a modern, lightweight, and completely free alternative that works flawlessly on modern operating systems without BEX event errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install on Windows 10: Run the installer and follow the quick setup instructions.
- 3. Open your Word documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open all your existing .doc and .docx files without experiencing sudden crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does exception code c0000005 mean when Word crashes?
Exception code c0000005 is an access violation error indicating that the application tried to access restricted memory. This frequently happens when running outdated software like Office XP on newer operating systems like Windows 10.
Can I fix the Office XP BEX event crash by reinstalling the program?
Reinstalling or repairing Office XP usually will not resolve the BEX event crash on Windows 10 because the root cause is a fundamental compatibility issue between the legacy 2001 software and the modern Windows 10 OS architecture.
What should I do if System Restore is disabled on my computer?
If System Restore is disabled, you cannot roll back your system to a working state. You will need to either upgrade to a modern, supported version of Microsoft Office or install a free alternative like WPS Office to continue opening your documents.
