Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Microsoft Word Picture Bullet HTTP 400 Error

Emma Brown Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to create a picture bullet or define a new list style due to a recurring Bad Request error.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Picture Bullet HTTP 400 Error

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to customize a list style by adding a custom picture bullet to a document.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays a 'Bad Request - Request too long' and HTTP Error 400 message. The issue persists even after repairing Office, updating Word, replacing Normal.dot, and clearing ListGal.dat.

Before you start

Ensure that all active Microsoft Word documents and other Office applications are completely closed before making changes to your local application data folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Rename the Office Wef Folder

Renaming the Web Extension Framework (Wef) folder forces Microsoft Office to rebuild its web-connected cache, which often clears the HTTP 400 error.

The HTTP 400 'Request too long' error in Word typically stems from corrupted cache data related to web-based features, such as the picture bullet tool. By renaming the Wef folder, you bypass the corrupted data, allowing Word to generate fresh, functional files upon its next launch.

Close Word

Save your work and completely exit out of all open Microsoft Word documents.

Open the AppData Directory

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type '%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\' into the text field and press Enter.

Rename the Wef Folder

In the File Explorer window that appears, locate the folder named 'Wef'. Right-click on it, select 'Rename', and change the folder name to 'Wef_old'.

Test the Picture Bullet Feature

Reopen Microsoft Word, create a new document, and attempt to add a picture bullet to verify if the HTTP 400 error has been resolved.

Issue Reporting: This is a known bug that has been reported to the Microsoft Word product team. If a subsequent Office update causes the error to return, you can safely repeat these steps.

Solution 2

Clear the Microsoft Office Cache

If resetting the Wef folder does not fully resolve the problem, clearing the general Office cache can eliminate other corrupted temporary files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Writer for Bug-Free Document Formatting

Tired of dealing with persistent HTTP 400 errors and manual folder resets in Microsoft Word? Switch to WPS Office, a highly compatible, free alternative that allows you to seamlessly add picture bullets and format documents without unexpected web request glitches.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free and launch the WPS Writer application.
2. Access Bullet Settings: Select your text, go to the Home tab, and click the arrow next to the Bullets icon.
3. Add a Picture Bullet: Select 'More Bullets', navigate to the Picture bullet options, and upload your image seamlessly.

Completely free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsEasily insert custom picture bullets without encountering server errorsFamiliar user interface makes transitioning fast and simple

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a 'Bad Request' HTTP 400 error when adding a picture bullet?

This error occurs due to a known glitch in how Microsoft Word handles web-based requests for online images or caching within its Web Extension Framework (Wef). Corrupted cache data triggers the 'Request too long' server error.

Will running Microsoft Office Repair fix the picture bullet error?

Typically, no. Standard troubleshooting steps like repairing Office, reinstalling Word, or resetting the Normal.dot template do not clear the specific Wef folder cache responsible for this HTTP 400 error.

Can this picture bullet error return after fixing it?

Yes. Many users report that while renaming the Wef folder fixes the issue temporarily, the HTTP 400 error may return after subsequent Microsoft Office or Windows updates until a permanent patch is released by the Word product team.

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