Word Processor Plugin

NawelBelkessa · 2025-06-23T14:00:17+00:00

Hello,
I have been using zotero (connected in Word) for a while and suddenly when i open word it says that "Word cannot open Zotero.dotm" template.
When i go to the folder where it is supposed to be it is still there and the path is correct. When i try to delete it i can not. And when I check security my name has full control.
I can not even delete the STARTUP to re-install it again, it says that "the file might contain a virus or potentially unwanted software"
Any help please ?
Thanks in advance

dstillman · 2025-06-23T14:00:40+00:00

That sounds like some security software on your system is interfering. If this is an institutional computer, you may need to talk to your IT department.

NawelBelkessa · 2025-06-23T15:26:55+00:00

It is my personal computer

dstillman · 2025-06-23T15:31:04+00:00

Are you running third-party security software?

What's the exact message you're receiving, without paraphrasing? (There are no other results on the internet for that phrase.)

Did you try deleting the existing Zotero.dotm file with Word closed? (You wouldn't want to delete the STARTUP folder, to be clear.)

NawelBelkessa · 2025-06-24T07:16:32+00:00

No i am not running third party security.
Here is a screenshot of the error message i get when I open word, and second one is error message when i try to delete Zotero.dotm file
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u9437727/cqfr82juyum040bmnlsz.png
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u9437727/2cspv7gxgwsls3zn10dz.png

adomasven · 2025-06-24T08:30:37+00:00

Restart your computer and try to remove the file again, then re-add it. If you still see this error, temporarily disable any anti-virus software you have. If you haven't installed anything, then Windows comes with Windows Defender, which you should also try temporarily disabling.