Thanks Joe, well when I do save and that test everything is ok, so you say don't bother then with unistall? reinstall
If you pass all the tests, I would imply Word is working correctly and there is something else wrong. Although uninstall and reinstall cannot hurt.
But if I were to later do that, what do I reinstall from. can't remember now last Word, I think bought one last standalones. my guess office 2019, I have pass key, not sure I have install package.
Under the circumstances and given how much you depend on Word, it might be worth installing the latest version of Word, even if you have to pay for it. Alternatively you could try another word processor that can import and export .docx compatible files, and is considerably less expensive, such as
Pages,
Mellel 5,
Nisus Writer Pro, or
NeoOffice BTW, version I have is in about, 16. 61 what is that?
I have no idea as I have not used word since the early '90s.
For confusion for uninstall sakes Microsoft site refers to version in very different manner, like 10, or 11 or? confusing. Would not know what to choose.
If you are referring to Microsoft's uninstall instructions, I believe that is referring to the version of macOS not the version of Word.
And then your uninstalling Excel too? I think word styles would be gone right? and some other things.
Any change from the default Styles are stored in your templates and document files, not in the executable code.
NEW IDEA: repeat the tests using different, preferably unmodified, starting templates as well as your normal document template to eliminate the template as a possible source of the problem.But you say don't bother.. if open word doc and type, save, type save, type save and it look ok no need for uninstall, install?
Obviously there is something going on but it may, or may not, be in Word itself. The tests I suggested are intended to indicate whether or not Word is the source of the problem, and if not indicate a possible solution space. If you go to Microsoft
per se. for help it is highly likely they will recommend uninstall and reinstall simply because it is a quick and easy fix that often works and gets their technician off the phone as quickly as possible thereby reducing Microsoft's support costs. If you have already performed the reinstal, and it didn't work, you are one step closer to a solution.