Word could not communicate with Zotero. Please ensure that Zotero is open and try again.

enicole1007 · November 5, 2024

Hi, recently I have run into a problem with using my Zotero with Word where it gives me the error message described in the title when I try to add a citation, bibliography, or just try to look at document preferences.

I have tried using a different Word doc and the same issue arises, deleting and redownloading both Word and Zotero, going into the Word startup folder and deleting the Zotero.dotm, removing and reinstalling the extension, and restarting my mac.

My Zotero is version 7.0.9, Word is 16.90.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The report ID I got is 1009343347.

Any help would be great!

dstillman · November 6, 2024

Did you confirm that Zotero was completely gone from Word before reinstalling?

https://www.zotero.org/support/word_processor_plugin_troubleshooting#word_could_not_communicate_with_zotero_please_ensure_that_zotero_is_open_and_try_again

enicole1007 · November 6, 2024

Yes, after I deleted the Zotero.dotm I made sure to see that the tab in Word was gone as well.

I have also noticed that I am unable to save new items from my Chrome-Zotero extension. It gives the error "Is Zotero Running?" (For reference my Zotero application is open)

dstillman · November 6, 2024

Are you running non-standard security software?

Can you provide a Debug ID for Zotero startup, using the "Restart with Logging Enabled…" option?

enicole1007 · November 8, 2024

I'm not sure. (I have ESET Cyber Security if that's what you mean but I had this before the issue with Zotero arose).

The Debug ID I got is D350429267

dstillman · November 8, 2024

HTTP server listening on 127.0.0.1:23119

OK, it's likely either the security software or some network/proxy settings, so you'll need to speak to your IT department. Zotero is starting up normally. Both the Zotero Connector and the Mac Word plugin communicate with Zotero via HTTP to 127.0.0.1, so something on your computer is blocking that.

You can see the troubleshooting page for the Connector, which uses the same mechanism:

https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/connector_zotero_unavailable

enicole1007 · November 8, 2024

I checked the http and it would not open so I contacted my security software and was able to remove the firewall blocking Zotero from functioning.

Thank you for all your help!