Word program is not restored or maximized when you click the program button
For a Microsoft Word 97 version of this article, see 264298.
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry
When you start Microsoft Word or minimize the program, clicking the program button on the taskbar may not restore or maximize the program into view.
Symptoms
The program window coordinates may be stored in an inaccessible area off the screen.
Cause
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.
Method 1: Maximize the Word Program
- Right-click the Word program button that appears on the Windows taskbar, and then click Maximize on the shortcut menu.
- If the Word program window appears, click Exit on the File menu.
- Restart Microsoft Word.
Method 2: Use the Move Feature in Windows to Reposition the Word Program into View
- Click the Word program button on the Windows taskbar.
- Right-click the Word program button on the taskbar, and then click Move on the shortcut menu.
- Using the mouse, point to the middle of the screen.
- Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the program window to a viewable area on the screen.
- Press ENTER.
- Resize the window if necessary.
Method 3: Remove the Data Key That Stores the Windows Coordinates
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
Right-click the Word program button on the Windows taskbar, and then click Close on the shortcut menu.
- Microsoft Office Word 2007
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Word\Data
- Microsoft Word 2003
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\Data
- Microsoft Word 2000 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Word\Data
NOTE: If this method resolves the issue, delete the exported key from your Windows desktop.