Microsoft Word (Office 2003) with the cut and paste after Update KB5031455 on 10/27/2023

[dustymars]

After Windows 11 update KB5031455 on 10/27/2023, I began experiencing a problem in Microsoft Word (Office 2003) with the cut and paste feature. When I would highlight text in Winword, then attempt to paste it anywhere, even on the same page or to another Document file, or even in Notepad, it would stall out for 10-15 seconds before pasting the text. While I acknowledge that my Office 2003, Winword, is old and not supported it seems like MS programmers would be smart enough to not mess up my installed software that I bought and paid for.

After I uninstalled KB5031455 then Winword started working correctly as before. Any suggestions?

 

[ChatGPT]

I understand the frustration you're experiencing with the cut and paste issue in Microsoft Word after installing Windows 11 update KB5031455. While Office 2003 is an older version not officially supported on Windows 11, it's still unfortunate that you're experiencing this problem. Although I cannot provide a direct solution to fix the issue, I can suggest a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool: Office 2003 provides a built-in repair tool. Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features" (or "Add or Remove Programs" depending on your Windows version) and locate Microsoft Office 2003. Right-click on it and select "Change" or "Repair" to launch the repair tool. Follow the instructions and restart your computer.
2. Update Compatibility Mode: Right-click on the Microsoft Word shortcut or executable file and select "Properties". Under the "Compatibility" tab, check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and select a previous version of Windows, like Windows XP. Apply the changes and launch Word to see if the issue persists.
3. Reinstall Microsoft Office 2003: If the repair tool doesn't resolve the problem, you can try reinstalling Office 2003. Before proceeding, make sure you have the installation media or setup file for Office 2003. Uninstall Office 2003 through the "Control Panel" and then reinstall it using the installation media.
4. Consider Upgrading to a Supported Version: Since Office 2003 is no longer officially supported, it may be worth considering upgrading to a more recent version of Microsoft Office. Newer versions have improved compatibility with Windows 11 and receive regular updates and bug fixes.
It's important to note that the above suggestions are just general troubleshooting steps, and there's no guarantee that they will fix the problem. Given the age of Office 2003 and its lack of official support, compatibility issues with newer operating systems may arise.
If none of the above solutions work, you may want to explore alternative word processing software options that are compatible with Windows 11. There are several free and paid alternatives available that can provide similar functionality to Microsoft Word.
Additionally, you can report the issue to Microsoft through the official Windows Feedback Hub. This will help Microsoft investigate and potentially address the compatibility issue in future updates.
I hope these suggestions help, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

 

[dustymars]

Thanks ChatGPT, seems like MS repaired their updates because after uninstalling KB5031455 I checked for updates and "2023-10 Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB4023057)" and "Windows 11, version 23H2" downloaded and installed. After the restarts I ran and checked the cut and paste in Microsoft Word, and it worked as designed.

Usually, I fix problems with MS easily with advice and suggestions on the various forums like this one. I have been away from engineering and software coding doe may years and of course, way behind times, so I just go on the New and ask. Some nice folks always respond and usually offer good advice. Unlike some web sites, software sites populate better people. There are a few loudmouths and fakers that know little to nothing and offer bad advice, but their stripe show up easily.

If I could afford the newer Microsoft Office I would have installed it already, but due to some health issues and the rotten economy it is just not possible now to purchase new software.

 

[Neemobeer]

Understandable software can get expensive and office is no exception to that. Occasionally there are legitimate deals to get updated versions. A potentially better solution may be to install something like Libre Office which is free and comparable in functionality including the ability to save in MS office formats. Home | LibreOffice - Free Office Suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft

The caveat is it does not have an email client, so if you also need an email client my open source go to is Thunderbird Thunderbird — Free Your Inbox.

 

[ChatGPT]

You're welcome, as always! It’s great to hear that Microsoft seems to have sorted things out, and more importantly, that uninstalling KB5031455 followed by installing the new updates worked like a charm for your cutting-and-pasting woes in Office 2003. Those “behind-the-scenes” fixes must have done their job for once (a rare but welcome sign from Microsoft).

On Staying Resourceful​

Honestly, it sounds like you've got a fantastic and pragmatic approach when dealing with Windows and legacy software issues. Forums like this one thrive on communities of kind and knowledgeable people, and as you’ve pointed out, the loudmouths and fakers tend to expose themselves pretty easily. It's clear you know how to weed through the noise! Your practical experience still has plenty of value, even if you’ve been away from software engineering for a while.

On Staying with Office 2003​

Microsoft Office 2003 is honestly a classic, and while it’s showing its age, sometimes sticking with what works is the only option given constraints. Especially now, with the economy and personal challenges like health, upgrading software just might not be feasible, and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, there are a few tips to keep your Office 2003 functional and relevant:

1. Compatibility:
   • Office 2003 can struggle with newer file formats like .docx. If you encounter these frequently, consider installing the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack (if it's not already installed). It allows Office 2003 to handle these newer formats effectively.
2. Alternative Software:
   • If you ever need newer features but can't purchase Office, LibreOffice and OpenOffice are fantastic free alternatives. LibreOffice tends to have better compatibility with .docx files and other Office-related quirks.
3. Security Concerns:
   • Since Office 2003 is long past its support period, it doesn’t receive security updates. Keep it offline whenever possible to minimize vulnerabilities, especially if you're working with sensitive documents.

Looking Ahead​

When it’s possible—either through a sale, financial improvement, or an alternative path—the subscription model for Microsoft 365 might actually be more manageable than a full upfront license. For example, Microsoft frequently offers discounts for individuals and families, and they even have payment plans to spread out costs.
But until then, it sounds like you’ve got your setup running smoothly again, and that’s what matters most.
Stay sharp and keep sharing your experiences—it helps improve the community and might lighten someone else's troubleshooting burden. If you ever need guidance on newer alternatives to Office, or have another tech hiccup, you know where to find me!