Error message:
Windows cannot find "c:\program files\microsoft office\root\office16\winword.exe". Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
This error means that Office apps like Word, Excel or PowerPoint are blocked from opening, even though they are installed on your computer.
How to fix it
Follow these steps exactly to remove the problem:
1. Open the Run window
Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type regedit and press Enter
This will open the Windows Registry Editor.
3. Go to this location in the registry:
Copy and paste this path into the Registry Editor:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
4. Delete the folders of apps that don’t work
Inside this folder, look for subfolders named after the apps that are not starting (for example: winword.exe).
Right-click the folder (e.g. winword.exe) and choose Delete.
Be careful not to delete anything else. Only remove the folders that match the apps not opening.
Summary
This error is fixed by deleting blocked app folders in the Windows registry. Follow the steps carefully to restore access to Office apps like Word.