Remove Microsoft User Data Folder Mac

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Having the Microsoft User Data folder in the Preferences folder makes it less likely to be accidentally deleted when a user is clearing out their documents folder. (A Microsoft User Data folder will still be created in Documents if you are Using Microsoft Messenger for Mac. From what I can tell this doesn't contain any useful information at all. On your Mac, select a disk, folder, or file, then choose File Get Info. If the information in Sharing & Permissions isn’t visible, click the disclosure triangle. Click the lock icon to unlock it. Enter an administrator name and password. Click a user or group in the Name column, then choose a privilege setting from the pop-up menu.

Note

In a nutshell, to get the Microsoft User Data folder out of your Documents folder, just move it to your user's Library/Preferences folder. Do this while Office isn't running, and the next time you launch an Office app, the folder will stay right where you put it.

Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.

Important

This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, see Description of the Microsoft Windows registry.

Summary

This article describes various methods that you can use to reset user options and registry settings in Microsoft Office Word.

There are two basic types of options that you can define in Word. These options are as follows:

  • Options that affect the way that the program operates. (The information for this kind of option is generally stored in the Microsoft Windows registry.)
  • Options that affect the formatting or the appearance of one or more documents. (The information for this kind of option is stored in templates or documents.)

When you troubleshoot unusual behavior in the program or in a document, first determine whether the problem might be caused by formatting, options, or settings. If the behavior occurs in multiple documents, we recommend that you try to reset Microsoft Word to the program's default settings.

How to reset user options and registry settings in Word

To have us reset user options and registry settings in Microsoft Word for you, go to the 'Here's an easy fix' section. If you prefer to reset user options and registry settings in Microsoft Word yourself, go to the 'Let me fix it myself' section.

Here's an easy fix

To fix this problem automatically, click the Download button. In the File Download dialog box, click Run or Open, and then follow the steps in the easy fix wizard.

  • This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.
  • If you're not on the computer that has the problem, save the easy fix solution to a flash drive or a CD, and then run it on the computer that has the problem.

Let me fix it myself

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

Remove Microsoft User Data Folder Mac Version

To manually reset a registry key, you must first delete it. To do this, follow these steps.

Important Always export a registry key before you delete it. This step is important because you may have to restore the functionality that is provided by the key.

  1. Exit all Microsoft Office programs.

  2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

  3. Expand the appropriate folders to locate the registry key that you want to delete. (Refer to the 'Main locations of Word settings in the Windows Registry' section.)

  4. Click to select the key that you want to delete.

  5. Use one of the following methods, as appropriate for your operating system:

    • In Microsoft Windows 2000, click Export Registry File on the Registry menu, type a file name for the backup copy of the key, and then click Save.
    • In Windows XP and later versions or in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and later versions, click Export on the File menu, type a file name for the backup copy of the key, and then click Save.

  6. Make sure that the key that you just exported is selected, and then click Delete on the Edit menu.

  7. When you are prompted to respond to one of the following messages, click Yes:

    • Are you sure you want to delete this key?
    • Are you sure you want to delete this key and all of its subkeys?

  8. Exit Registry Editor.

After you delete a registry key, and then you restart the program, Word runs the Setup program to correctly rebuild the registry key. If you want to rebuild the registry key before you run the program, repair your installation by following the steps in the 'Repair Word (Office)' section.

More Information

Main locations of Word settings in the Windows Registry

You can reset some Word settings, such as the Word Data and Options keys in the Windows registry, by using the troubleshooting utility that is contained in the Support.dot template.

Word key

Word 2016

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Word

Word 2013

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0Word

Word 2010

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0Word

Word 2007

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0Word

Word 2003

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0Word

Word 2002

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0Word

Word 2000

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0Word

Changes made to this HKEY_CURRENT_USER key are mirrored in the following keys for Word 2003, for Word 2002, and for Word 2000:

Word 2003

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0Word

Word 2002

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0Word

Word 2000

HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0Word

The difference between the 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER' location and the HKEY_USER' location is that the first applies only to the current user of the system, and the second is the default location for all users. However, Word entries are the same for both locations. Therefore, any change that is made to one location is automatically reflected in the other location.

Note

For the rest of this section, all references to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER tree apply also to the HKEY_USERS tree, except for the 2007 Microsoft Office 2007 programs and where otherwise noted.

The Data key and the Options key are the most frequently changed areas.

Data key

Microsoft user data folder

Word 2016

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordData

Word 2013

Remove Microsoft User Data Folder Mac Version

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordData

Word 2010

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordData

Word 2007

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordData

Word 2003

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordData

Word 2002

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0WordData

Word 2000

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0WordData

This key contains binary information for 'most recently used' lists, including the most recently used file list and the most recently used address book list. This key also contains 'Track Changes' settings and 'Edit' settings.

Options key

Word 2016

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0WordOptions

Word 2013

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0WordOptions

Word 2010

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0WordOptions

Word 2007

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0WordOptions

Word 2003

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordOptions

Word 2002

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0WordOptions

Word 2000

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0WordOptions

This key stores the options that you can set from Microsoft Word, either by changing menu options or by running the Registry Options Utility. For more information, see the 'Use the Registry Options Utility' section.

The options are in two groups: default options and optional settings. Default options are established during the setup process. You can change them by modifying options in Word. (To modify options in Word, click Options on the Tools menu.)

These options may or may not appear in the registry.

Wizards key

Word 2003

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0WordWizards

Word 2002

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0WordWizards

Word 2000

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0WordWizards

All wizard defaults are stored in this key. These settings are created the first time that you run a wizard.

Common key

Word 2016

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice16.0Common

Word 2013

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice15.0Common

Word 2010

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice14.0Common

Word 2007

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0Common

Word 2003

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice11.0Common

Word 2002

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice10.0Common

Word 2000

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice9.0Common

This key is used by other Microsoft programs, such as the Office programs. These settings are shared between programs. Changes made in one program's settings also appear in the other program's settings.

Shared Tools key

Word 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftShared Tools

This key contains the paths for all Windows utilities. (The path may include utilities such as Equation, WordArt, and MS Graph.) Paths for graphics filters and text converters are also registered in this location.

Repair Word (Office)

Word can detect and repair problems associated with Setup. This feature uses the Windows Installer to correct problems with missing files and to repair registry settings.

You can use the following methods to repair or reset Word files and values:

  • Method 1: Use the 'Detect and Repair' feature
  • Method 2: Repair Word in Maintenance Mode Setup
  • Method 3: Reinstall Word (Office)

Method 1: Use the 'Detect and Repair' or 'Microsoft Office Diagnostics' feature

Note

This method is the least aggressive mode of repair. If this method does not resolve the problem, you may still have to use one of the other methods.

To run the Detect and Repair feature in Word 2003 and in earlier versions of Word, click Detect and Repair on the Help menu in Word. The Detect and Repair feature fixes and repairs Word. All files, registry entries, and optional shortcuts for all Office programs are verified and repaired. If you run Detect and Repair from Word, all other Office programs are also checked. This feature performs only a checksum.

The Detect and Repair feature can also restore the Word program shortcuts on the Start menu. To restore the Word program shortcuts, click Help, click Detect and Repair, and then click to select the Restore my shortcuts while repairing check box.

If Detect and Repair does not correct the problem, you may have to reinstall Word. The Reinstall feature in the Maintenance Mode dialog box performs the same action as Detect and Repair, except that Reinstall copies a file when the files are of equal versions. Detect and Repair does not copy over the file when the installation file has the correct version and checksum.

Note

The Detect and Repair feature does not repair damaged documents or damaged data keys in the registry or in the Normal template.

If a file that Word uses at Startup is missing, the Windows Installer automatically installs that file before it starts the program.

In Word 2007, run the Microsoft Office Diagnostics feature. To do this, click the Microsoft Office Button, click Word Options, click Resources, and then click Diagnose.

In Word 2010, repair Word or the installed Office suite in Control Panel.

Method 2: Repair Word in Maintenance Mode setup

Note

This method is a moderate mode of repair. If this method does not resolve the problem, you may still have to reinstall Word.

The Maintenance Mode Setup process is similar to the process found in earlier versions of Word. The Maintenance Mode Setup process allows you to repair, add or remove features, and remove the program. 'Repair' is a feature in Maintenance Mode that finds and then fixes errors in an installation.

To perform a Maintenance Mode repair, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Use one of the following methods, depending upon your operating system:

    • In Windows 7 or Windows Vista, click Start, and then type add remove.
    • In Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, click Start, and then click Control Panel.
    • In Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

  3. Open Add or Remove Programs.

  4. Click Change or Remove Programs, click **Microsoft Office **(Microsoft Office Word) or the version of Office or Word that you have in the Currently installed programs list, and then click Change.

  5. Click Repair or Repair Word (Repair Office), and then click Continue or Next.

  6. In Word 2003 and in earlier versions of Word, click Detect and Repair errors in my Word installation or click Detect and Repair errors in my Office installation, click to select the Restore my Start Menu Shortcuts check box, and then click Install.

Method 3: Reinstall Word (Office)

Note

This method is the most aggressive mode of repair. This mode resets Word to its default settings, except for settings that are stored in your global template (Normal.dot or Normal.dotm). To do this in Word 2003 and in earlier versions of Word, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.

  2. Use one of the following methods, depending upon your operating system:

    • In Windows 7 or Windows Vista, click Start, and then type add remove.
    • In Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, click Start, and then click Control Panel.
    • In Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

  3. Open Add or Remove Programs.

  4. Click Change or Remove Programs, click Microsoft Office 2003 (Microsoft Office Word 2003) or the version of Office or Word that you have in the Currently installed programs list, and then click Change.

  5. Click Repair Word (Repair Office), and then click Next.

  6. Click Reinstall Word (Reinstall Office), and then click Install.

For more information about Word 2007 or Word 2010, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

924611 How to install the individual 2007 Office features or to repair the installed 2007 Office programs

Templates and add-ins

Global Template (Normal.dotm or Normal.dot)

To prevent formatting changes, AutoText entries, and macros that are stored in the global template (Normalm.dot or Normal.dot) from affecting the behavior of Word and documents that are opened, rename your global template (Normal.dotm or Normal.dot). Renaming the template lets you quickly determine whether the global template is causing the issue.

When you rename the Normal.dotm template in Word 2007 or later or the Normal.dot template in Word 2003 and in earlier versions of Word, you reset several options to the default settings. These include custom styles, custom toolbars, macros, and AutoText entries. We strongly recommend that you rename the template instead of deleting the Normal.dotm template or the Normal.dot template. If you determine that the template is the issue, you will be able to copy the custom styles, custom toolbars, macros, and AutoText entries from the Normal.dot template that was renamed.

Certain types of configurations may create more than one Normal.dotm template or Normal.dot template. These situations include cases where multiple versions of Word are running on the same computer or cases where several workstation installations exist on the same computer. In these situations, make sure that you rename the correct copy of the template.

To rename the global template file, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all Office programs.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
  3. Type the following command, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running, and then press Enter:
    • Word 2002 and Word 2003:ren %userprofile%Application DataMicrosoftTemplatesNormal.dot OldNormal.dot
    • Word 2007 and Word 2010:ren %userprofile%Application DataMicrosoftTemplatesNormal.dotm OldNormal.dotm
  4. Type exit, and then press Enter.
    When you restart Word, a new global template (Normal.dot) is created that contains the Word default settings.

Add-ins (WLLs) and templates in the Word and Office Startup folders

When you start Word, the program automatically loads templates and add-ins that are located in the Startup folders. Errors in Word may be the result of conflicts or problems with an add-in.

To determine whether an item in a Startup folder is causing the problem, you can temporarily empty the folder. Word loads items from the Office Startup folder and the Word Startup folder.

To remove items from the Startup folders, follow these steps:

  1. Exit all instances of Word, including Microsoft Outlook if Word is set as your email editor.

  2. Use one of the following methods, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:

    • Word 2002:

      Click Start, click Run, type %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice10Startup, and then click OK.

    • Word 2003:

      Click Start, click Run, type %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice11Startup, and then click OK.

    • Word 2007:

      Click Start, click Run, type %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice12Startup, and then click OK.

    • Word 2010:

      Click Start, click Run, type %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice14Startup, and then click OK.

    • Word 2013:

      Click Start, click Run, type %programfiles%MicrosoftOfficeOffice15Startup, and then click OK.

  3. Right-click one of the files that is contained in the folder, and then click Rename.

  4. After the file name, type .old, and then press Enter.ImportantNote the original name of the file. You may have to rename the file by using its original name.

  5. Start Word.

  6. If you can no longer reproduce the problem, you have found the specific add-in that causes the problem. If you must have the features that the add-in provides, contact the vendor of the add-in for an update.

    If the problem is not resolved, rename the add-in by using its original name, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 for each file in the Startup folder.

  7. If you can still reproduce the problem, click Start, click Run, type %userprofile%Application DataMicrosoftWordStartup, and then click OK.

  8. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each file in this Startup folder.

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COM add-ins

COM add-ins can be installed in any location, and they are installed by programs that interact with Word.

To view the list of COM add-ins in Word 2010, click the Microsoft Office Button, click Options, and then click Add-Ins.

To view the list of COM add-ins in Word 2007, click the Microsoft Office Button, click Word Options, and then click Add-Ins.

To view the list of installed COM add-ins in Word 2003 and in earlier versions of Word, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Customize.
  2. Click the Commands tab.
  3. In the Category list, click Tools.
  4. Drag the COM Add-Ins command to a toolbar.
  5. Click Close.
  6. Click the new COM Add-Ins button to view the COM add-ins that are loaded together with Word.

If add-ins are listed in the COM Add-Ins dialog box, temporarily turn off each add-in. To do this, clear the check box for each listed COM add-in, and then click OK. When you restart Word, Word does not load the COM add-ins.

Use the Registry Options utility

You can use the Registry Options Utility to examine and change Word settings in the Windows registry. The Registry Options Utility is located in the Support.dot template.

Note

The Support.dot template is not included in Word 2007 or later versions.

For more information about the Registry Options Utility, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

820917 How to change Word options in the Windows registry for Word 2003

Summary of Word options and where they are stored

Note In the following table, 'Template' refers to either the Normal.dot template or a custom template.

Setting nameStorage location
AutoCorrect-Formatted textNormal.dotm or Normal.dot
AutoCorrect-Shared entries.ACL files user.acl
AutoSave pathRegistry
AutoTextTemplate
Company nameWinword.exe
Custom keystroke assignmentsTemplate
Font substitutionRegistry
MacrosTemplate/document
Picture editingRegistry
Print data formsDocument
Snap to gridRegistry
StylesTemplate/document
ToolbarsTemplate/document
User infoRegistry
View toolbarsTemplate
View/toolbarTemplate
Document PartsTemplate

AutoCorrect lists are shared between Office programs. Any changes that you make to the AutoCorrect entries and settings when you are in one program are immediately available to the other programs. Additionally, Word can store AutoCorrect items that are made up of formatted text and graphics.

Information about AutoCorrect is stored in various locations. These locations are listed in the following table.

AutoCorrect informationStorage location
AutoCorrect entries shared by all programs.ACL file in the %UserProfile%Application DataMicrosoftOffice folder
AutoCorrect entries used only by Word (formatted text and graphics)Normal.dot
AutoCorrect settings (correct two initial capitals, capitalize names of days, replace text as you type)Registry
AutoCorrect settings used only by Word (corrects accidental usage of CAPS LOCK key, capitalizes first letter of sentences)Registry

Move the Microsoft User Data folder (revisited) 20 comments Create New Account
Click here to return to the 'Move the Microsoft User Data folder (revisited)' hint
The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Well, I'm curious enough to ask .. why wouldn't you want the Microsoft User data stored in the Documents folder? Since this is where (among other things) the entourage mail database is kept, wouldn't you want it backed up just the same as other documents?

Yes, I know that you can also backup prefs, etc., but this really is user data in the purest sense, i think.

Just interested in your perspective on this.

In my opinion, my Documents folder is for Documents that I specificly put there. The Microsoft User Data is data for an application (just like my Mail.app mailboxes) that should be stored in Application Support or other such place in my Library folder.
I think Apple has published guidelines for developers about where support files should be placed, guidelines that Microsoft seem to ignore.

The ~/Library/Application Support folder would be the most logical place. So many programs have hijacked the Documents folder that it has become almost useless to me. All of the data folders added by applications (on my system) would be better off in the Application Support folder. The good news is that many developers are storing such data in the right place. On my system, the ratio of programs that store application-centric data in the Application Support folder versus the Documents folder is 68:9 — very good, but not quite satisfactory. Besides Microsoft, another notable offender is Adobe (although it straddles the fence, with data files in both places).

Microsoft User Data Folder Mac Delete

The phrase 'ratio of programs that store' should have been 'ratio of folders that contain' .. just to be precise.

Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to work with MSN Messenger..

Thank you so much for this hint. This has long been an annoyance of mine as I have found ways of moving most of the applications folders that hi-jack my Documents folder, but not Microsoft's.

It does not work for me ;-(
As soon as I open Word, a new Microsoft User Data folder is created in Documents folder. Am I missing something?

BTW, I moved my original MS User Data folder in ~/Library/Application Support before launching Word.

It's probably because the hint said to move it to the Preferences folder, not the Application Support folder. The latter folder was only mentioned as that's where this stuff probably should go.

Yup you are right. Thanks.

I agree with the comment about the Entourage database - it _should_ be in ~/Documents, since that's what you probably back up. However, if you don't use Entourage, there's no reason to leave that folder where it is, as long as you remember that your Normal.dot file is there, and this holds a lot of your customizations. As long as you back up your entire home folder, you'll be safe.
---
Read my blog: Kirkville -- http://www.mcelhearn.com
Musings, Opinion and Miscellanea, on Macs, iPods and more

If you are not backing up files in ~/Library, and more especially in ~/Library/Application Support, you very likely risk losing lots of important data. I backup my whole Users folder, just for simplicity's sake. Putting the file is 'Application Support' is more consistent with Apple's own practice, and is more consistent with what most developers are doing.

Another vote to keep all applicaton-created folders out of Documents. No application (including Entourage and Mail) should keep user data in any hidden place. And Apple has set up specific places for applications to put folders they create. Any user who backs up only Documents is in big trouble anyway.
This hint also appears to work for Sound Studio's presets folder, but not for AppleWorks User Data.

I'm surprised no one mentioned the AppleWorks User Data folder…

…and it seems to be just another example of how embarrassed Apple should be about AW in general! Why do they not follow their own guidelines for AW?? Incredible really.
If anyone has a clue as to a way to move *that* folder out of documents, I'd be very happy. I'd love to just delete everything AW-related altogether, but I still have to support people that are using it, so I'm stuck with it myself.
<sigh>

The funny thing is, another offender is AppleWorks, with an 'AppleWorks User Data' right into the Documents folder. It seems to me that Microsoft is only following old customs..

see my reply to comment above?

Microsoft User Data Folder Location

You people who only back up your ~/Documents directory scare the socks off of me. Kudos for backing up at all, but you're working with the computer equivalent of basic liability auto insurance. Once something hits you, you're hosed.
It takes all of two minutes to make a list of stuff to backup: occasional prefs, photos, documents, databases (like entourage or mail.app). Using a convenient program like iBackup or (my preference) Synk, you can set up the whole process up almost as fast as you can make your list.
Those who backup only one directory without considering wider options typically get what they deserve.

Remove Microsoft User Data Folder Mac 2018

On a similar theme - does anyone know how to get rid of the *very* annoying eBooks folder that Acrobat 6 Professional insists on creating in my Documents folder every time I launch it?
---
Remember - in a million years we'll all be dust, and none of this will matter..

Can I Delete Microsoft User Data Folder Mac

Thank you for this.
My 'Documents' folder is backed up with Dropbox and 'Microsoft User Data' contains nearly 2GB of data that doesn't (in my case) need to be backed up.
Moved it to ~/Library/Preferences/ and all is well

Remove Microsoft User Data Folder Mac Youtube

Hi there you can store the MUD folder anywhere but if you are using the symlink method you may still find it will sync with Dropbox if you have symlinked your whole Documents folder into Dropbox (not best practice IMHO).