eliminate runtime error 53; standard suggestions to delete file in Library folders don't work, as the folders are empty (Word for Mac)

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eliminate runtime error 53; standard suggestions to delete file in Library folders don't work, as the folders are empty (Word for Mac)

DeniseDC 20

How do I fix the runtime error 53? All the standard suggestions say to delete a specific file found in the Word and PowerPoint folders in Library/Application Support or Library/Group Containers, but these folders are empty.

I'm using MS Word 16.98 and MS PowerPoint 16.98 on MacOS 15.5.

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Answer 1

Dear DeniseDC

Thank you for posting your question in the Q&A forum.

Based on the information you've provided, I understand you're encountering Runtime Error 53: File Not Found in Microsoft Office on macOS.

After conducting some research and testing in my own environment, I'd like to suggest the following troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check and Remove Adobe Add-ins (if applicable): This error often relates to missing Adobe-related files such as linkcreation.dotm or MacPDFM.framework

Please check the following directories to see if these files are present:

/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/MACPDFM/

If found, try removing or relocating them temporarily and restart your Office apps.

Review Add-ins in Word/PowerPoint:

Open Word or PowerPoint
Go to Preferences > Add-ins
Disable any unnecessary or third-party add-ins
Restart the app and check if the error persists

Please give these steps a try, and if the issue continues or you encounter anything unexpected, feel free to share the details, I’m here and happy to support you further.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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DeniseDC 20 Reputation points

2025-07-09T18:06:00.9333333+00:00

The files were not in the Library folders or in Settings (Preferences), but your response prompted a look elsewhere. They were under the Tools menu in both apps and could be turned off. Thanks very much!