Why am I not able to access my files in Publisher?

Copy one affected .pub file from the external drive to the computer’s Documents folder, test that local copy normally, and then test the same copy in Publisher Safe Mode to separate a storage problem from a Publisher problem.

1. Test the file locally

1. Open File Explorer and locate an affected .pub file.
2. Copy—do not move—the file to Documents.
3. Disconnect the external drive using Safely Remove Hardware if applicable.
4. Start Publisher normally and select File > Open > Browse, then open the copied file.

Interpret the result:

• The local copy opens normally: the external drive, USB connection, or its file system is the likely problem area. Try another USB port or another computer. If Windows reports the drive as corrupt, avoid saving new data to it until the files have been recovered; writing to it can overwrite recoverable data.^1^
• The local copy still makes Publisher stop responding: continue with Safe Mode.

Copying rather than moving protects the original. USB disconnection while a file is open can contribute to file corruption.^2^

2. Test Publisher in Safe Mode

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter:

mspub /safe

3. Press Enter.
4. Confirm that Publisher’s title bar shows Safe Mode.
5. Open the same copy in Documents.

Microsoft documents this command specifically for starting Publisher without normal add-ins and startup customizations.^3^

If it opens in Safe Mode

An add-in or another setting disabled by Safe Mode is likely interfering:

1. While still in Safe Mode, select File > Options > Add-Ins.
2. At the bottom, select COM Add-ins under Manage, then select Go.
3. Clear one add-in and select OK.
4. Close Publisher and start it normally.
5. Test the same local file.
6. If Publisher freezes again, reopen it with mspub /safe, disable the next add-in, and repeat.

Leave the problematic add-in disabled, remove it if unnecessary, or obtain an updated version from its publisher.^3^

If it does not open in Safe Mode

The problem is not likely to be an add-in. Repair Office next.

3. Repair the Office installation

Repairing Publisher repairs the entire Office suite.

• Windows 11: Right-click Start > Installed apps. Find Microsoft 365, Office, or standalone Publisher, select … > Modify.
• Windows 10: Right-click Start > Apps and Features. Select the Office product, then Modify.

Run Quick Repair first. If Publisher remains unresponsive, return to the same location and run Online Repair, which is more thorough. Restart Windows afterward and retest the local file.^4^

If only particular files fail

Try an affected file on another computer that has Publisher. A similar Publisher case found that files failing on one machine opened on another, which can provide a temporary way to access them.^5^

• If every .pub file freezes on this computer, focus on Publisher/Office repair.
• If only files from one external drive fail, focus on that drive and preserve the originals.
• If one specific file fails on multiple computers, that file may be damaged. The available Microsoft Open and Repair procedure applies to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, not Publisher, so it should not be expected in Publisher.^2^

If repair fails, reinstall Office only after confirming access to the Microsoft account or installation media associated with the Office license.

References

1. What can I do if my USB External Drive does not want to open _ Shown as Corrupt - Microsoft Q&A
2. Open a document after a file corruption error | Microsoft Support
3. I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC | Microsoft Support
4. Repair an Office application
5. Publisher file won't open - Microsoft Q&A