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Get “Compile Error in Hidden Module” Fixed in Excel or Word
A more complicated solution but that will surely work is to re-register the OCX files
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Compileerrorin hidden moduleis an error message that might pop up for some MS Word and Excel users.
The error message is generally triggered when Office users open Word or Excel. Consequently, neither application isn’t launching.
How to fix compile error in hidden module?
Does theCompileerrorin hidden moduleerror message pop up when you open Excel or Word? If so, these are a few resolutions that might fix it.
1. Update Adobe Acrobat
TheCompileerrorin hidden moduleerrorcan be due to two Adobe Acrobat template files in MS Office folders. As such, updating Adobe Acrobat is one potential resolution for the issue.
It’s also of utmost importance to run software that comes from a trusted source, which is why we strongly recommend you only install Acrobat from its official website.
As a powerful editing suite that is closely connected to Microsoft Office file formats, Acrobat delivers an all-digital document experience.
In fact, there is no need to start over if you happen to run into an error, you can quickly export PDFs into other Microsoft 365 such as Word, Excel, or Powerpoint.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
To manually check for Adobe updates, clickHelpon Acrobat’s window.
SelectCheck for Updatesto open the updater window. Then you can press aDownload and Installbutton if there are updates for it.
⇒Get Adobe Acrobat
2. Move Pdfmaker Files to Another Folder to fix the compile error
Pdfmaker.xla and Pdfmaker.dot are the two Adobe Acrobat files linked with theCompileerrorin hidden moduleissue. As such, moving those files out of their MS Office folders might also fix theerror.
This is how you can move those files to an alternative folder in Windows 10.
3. Update the Norton Antivirus Software to fix the Compile error in hidden module
Norton Antivirus is also linked with theCompile error in hidden moduleerror. If Norton AV is on your desktop or laptop, updating that software might fix the issue.
You can check for updates by pressing theUpdate Me Nowbutton onthis webpage. Alternatively, right-click the Norton Antivirus system tray icon and selectNorton LiveUpdate.
4. Uninstall Norton Software to fix the hidden module error
5. Run Stellar Repair for Excel
No error is a match for this powerful tool and thecompile error in hidden modulemakes no exception. Stellar Repair is the ultimate repair software for Excel protecting your workbook data from corruption and permanent loss.
Stellar Repair for Excel fixes severely corrupt .XLS/.XLSX files, with the highest degree of precision, and restores all data to its original state while preserving all properties and formatting.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Stellar Repair for Excel
6. Re-register OCX files
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Press the Windows key + X hotkey to open the WinX menu.
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SelectCommand Prompt (Admin)from the list.
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For a 32-bit Windows platform, input the following commands in the Prompt and then hitEnter, one by one:regsvr32 -u c:windowssystem32mscomctl.ocxregsvr32 c:windowssystem32mscomctl.ocx
4.On 64-bit Windows platforms, input these commands one by one and pressEnterafter each one:regsvr32 -u c:windowssyswow64mscomctl.ocxregsvr32 c:windowssyswow64mscomctl.ocx
- The compile error in hidden module is now solved.
TheCompile error in hidden moduleerror can also be the side effect of Windows updates. As such, registering a mscomctl.ocx file using cmd might also fix the issue.
One of these resolutions for theCompile error in hidden moduleerrormight kick-start Word or Excel so that you can launch them again.
Some of the more general tips in our post for fixingMS Office applications that don’t openmight also come in handy for fixing the hidden module issue.
Let us know which one worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Excel,Microsoft Office,Microsoft Word issues,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
