3 Ways | How to Fix Word Runtime Error 91

The runtime error is a common error that usually occurs on all versions of Windows-based operating systems, such as Word and Excel. It not a single error but happens with different error codes, for example, Excel runtime error 1004 and Word runtime error 53.

This error is very tricky, as it doesn't describe what problems that cause it and what makes it show up. Fortunately, for Word runtime error 91, there are exact reasons and effective solutions. Keep reading and check more details.

What's The Reason for Word Runtime Error 91?

The reason why you would see a pop-up window, saying "Runtime Error 91: Object variable or with block variable not set" is that the DCOMCnfg.exe file might be corrupted. The DCOMCnfg.exe file is usually used to configure permissions and set system-wide security settings. When there's a problem with this file, it will prevent your system from being able to load the files it requires to run, and that's when you see the runtime error 91.

To fix this runtime error, we found three effective methods. We will introduce them one by one with detailed steps. You can apply these methods to try to solve the problem by yourself.

Fix 1. Change DCOMCnfg.exe Settings

As the DCOMCnfg.exe is usually the one to be blamed, the first method we suggest you try is to change its Settings. 

Step 1. Search DCOMCnfg.exe in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.

Step 2. The Component Services window will pop up. Expand the following: Component Services > Computers.

Step 3. You can see the "My Computer" option. Right-click on it and click Properties.

Step 4. Click COM Security tab and under Access Permissions click Edit Limits.

Step 5. Pick Everyone from the groups and make sure that Local and Remote Access is set to Allow.

Fix 2. Give Full Control to the FRxXMLTag.XML file

In case the Runtime Error 91 is followed by the Error 5999, you should perform the following steps:

Step 1. Run Windows as administrator.

Step 2. In Windows Explorer browse to the FRx directory.

Step 3. Right-click on the FRxXMLTag.XML file and select Properties.

Step 4. Click the Security tab, add the group Everyone, and select Full Control. Click OK to finish.

Fix 3. Disable Add-ins

The third method you can try is to disable the add-ins. The add-in in Word is a program that can be attached to Word to give it additional functionality. An add-in can be thought of as a template that is always loaded when Word is open. So if the add-ins are corrupted, you can also see the runtime error 91. Now, follow the steps below to disable add-ins.

Step 1. Close Word, press the Windows and R keys at the same time to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type winword /safe in the Run box to open Word in Safe Mode.

Step 3. Click "File" > "Options" > "Add-ins". Select "COM Add-ins", and click "Go".

Step 4. Uncheck all the add-ins in the list, and click "OK". Then restart Word.

If the Word runs normally, re-enable the add-ins one-by-one until Word not opening issue happens again. Thus, you may find out which add-in is the culprit.

Bonus Tip: How to Recover and Repair Word Documents

Besides introducing how to fix Word runtime error 91, we also want to introduce how to recover and repair Word files. Many accidental scenarios would cause the loss of Word files, for example, partition loss, OS crash, virus attack, and unexpected formatting, etc.

If you are in any of the mentioned scenarios, you might need a dedicated data recovery software. One such tool is for Windows 10 and macOS is EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard which has a high success rate and remains easy to use.

It does not matter if you have backed up the lost Word files or not, the program will almost certainly recover the data for you. And it would automatically repair the damaged files during the recovery process.

You can download the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for free from the button below, and then use the following steps to recover and repair your Word files.

Step 1. Select a Location to Start Finding Crashed Word Files

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and then scan the missing or damaged word files.

Step 2.  Scan for Lost and Damaged Word Documents

You can use "Filter" to find the damaged word files quickly.

Step 3.  Repair and Recover Word Files to a Secure Location

Choose the word file and click "Preview."  This program will automatically repair corrupted and damaged files. Click "Recover" to save the repaired word files to a safe location. (Please note: DO NOT save the files back onto the same hard drive partition or external device where you lost the data from)

The Bottom Line

The reason for runtime error various, but for Word runtime error 91, this article gives you both the causes and the solutions. Try the given solutions, and see if you can fix the issue on your own. What's more, if you are interested in Word recovery, you can download EaseUS Data Recovery and have a free trial.