How to Fix EndNote COM Exceptions in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is encountering a COM exception error caused by the EndNote add-in while working on large files.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Editing a large document with the EndNote citation-management add-in activated.
- Observed behavior
- Word for Mac version 16.79 displays a COM exception error triggered by the third-party EndNote add-in.
Before attempting any fixes or making changes to your software configuration, carefully save your work and create a local backup copy of the large document to prevent potential data loss.
Contact EndNote Support for Compatibility Troubleshooting
Because EndNote is a third-party application, direct developer support is the most effective way to resolve specific COM exceptions and version compatibility issues.
Microsoft Word cannot directly resolve COM exceptions caused by third-party add-ins. The issue often stems from compatibility mismatches between your specific EndNote version and Word for Mac version 16.79.
Note down your exact macOS version, your Microsoft Word for Mac version (e.g., 16.79), and your current EndNote build number.
Open your web browser and go to the official EndNote international support page at https://endnote.com/contact/international-support/.
Contact their technical team with a detailed description of the COM exception, mentioning that it occurs specifically when editing large documents.
Temporarily Disable the EndNote Add-in
If you need to continue editing your document immediately while waiting for support, disabling the add-in will stop the errors.
Try WPS Office for Smooth Document Editing on Mac
If third-party add-in errors and COM exceptions in Microsoft Word are slowing down your research workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, stable environment for handling large documents on your Mac.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx document directly.
- 3. Edit without interruptions: Enjoy a stable editing experience for your large academic or professional documents without COM exception errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a COM exception mean in Word for Mac?
A COM exception is an error indicating that Word for Mac failed to communicate properly with a Component Object Model (COM) add-in, such as EndNote. This usually happens due to software bugs or version incompatibilities.
Why does the EndNote COM exception only happen with large documents?
Large documents require significantly more memory and processing power. A high volume of complex citations scattered throughout a large file can overwhelm the add-in's connection to Word, triggering a timeout or COM exception.
Can I fix the COM exception by updating Word for Mac?
While updating Word to the latest version via 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' is good practice, COM exceptions from third-party tools like EndNote usually require an update from the add-in developer to match Word's architecture.
