Forum Discussion
pritcharddesign
Jun 22, 2024Copper Contributor
Runtime error 6 overflow in word Mac
I'm on a Mac Sonoma 14.1 using Word 16.86.
For about the past week when I open a Word doc I get an error message: Runtime error '6' Overflow.
Any thoughts on why and how to stop it?
thx
- HarperWhiteIron Contributor
1. Fix It Now Program
Clear Word cache
bash
# Execute in the terminal:
rm -rf ~/Library/Group\ Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Word
killall “Microsoft Word”
2. Reset Word Preferences
Close all Office applications
Execute:
bash
defaults delete com.microsoft.Word
3. In-depth troubleshooting steps
Check document compatibility
In Word, click “File” → “Export” → select “Word 97-2004 Document (.doc)”:
Click “File” → “Export” → select “Word 97-2004 Document (.doc)”.
Re-open the document in the old format to test
4. Disable add-ons
bash
# Temporarily disable all COM add-ons.
defaults write com.microsoft.Word DisableAddins -bool true
5. Critical system fixes
NET Framework update (via Mono)
bash
brew install mono
sudo installer -pkg /Library/Frameworks/Mono.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/mono.pkg -target /
6. Fix the font cache
bash
# Rebuild the font cache
atsutil databases -removeUser && atsutil server -shutdown && atsutil server -ping
7. Advanced Solutions
Create a diagnostic report
bash
# Generate Word error logs
log show --predicate 'process == “Microsoft Word”' --last 1h --debug > ~/word_crash.log
Checking the EXC_CRASH (SIGABRT) field in the logs
8. Calculate stack size manually
If the document contains complex formulas:
bash
# Increase Word memory allocation (SIP needs to be turned off)
sudo nvram boot-args="vm_compressor=2”
9. Ultimate reinstallation program
Uninstall Office completely:
bash
sudo /Library/Application\ Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft\ AutoUpdate.app/Contents/MacOS/OfficeRemover
10. Fresh Installation:
Download the standalone installer:
bash
curl -O https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_Office_16.70.23051201_ Installer.pkg
11. Install:
bash
sudo installer -pkg Microsoft_Office_*.pkg -target /