What is causing the Error Reference Source Not Found an error?
We investigated this particular by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that are commonly being used to either fix or circumvent this particular issue. Based on our investigations, there are several potential different culprits that are known to trigger this error message: If your situation is similar and you’re struggling to resolve this exact issue, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting steps that will help you fix the problem. Down below, you’ll discover a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have successfully used. In fact, every method featured below is confirmed to be effective by at least one user. In order to remain as efficient as possible, we advise you to follow the methods in the order that they are presented because they are ordered by efficiency and difficulty. One of them is bound to resolve the issue since we tried to cover every possible scenario.
Method 1: Locking the fields before printing (temporary fix)
If you’re looking for a temporary fix that will allow you to print the document in quickly and without the Error Reference Source Not Found by locking the field prior to printing the document. Several users that tried to resolve the very same issue have reported that this issue was effective in allowing them to circumvent the issue. Note: Keep in mind that this fix is only a workaround and doesn’t fix the underlying problem that is triggering the error message. If you’re looking for a viable fix (not a workaround), move down to the next method below. Here’s a quick guide on locking the fields prior to printing the documents: If you’re still seeing the same message or you’re looking for a permanent fix, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Removing all broken references manually
If you’re dealing with cross-reference (REF) fields, chances are you’re struggling with the issue because the bookmarks have been deleted from the document. In this case, the most efficient fix is to unlock the fixes and then update them until they no longer contain errors. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If the Error Reference Source Not Found error message is still occurring or you’re looking for a different fix, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Using the Kutools for Word tool
If you’re looking to install a Word add-in, there’s a much more convenient way of deleting your corrupted Cross-References fields. If you have a whole lot of broken fields, these solutions should be preferred since it makes it very easy to correct the issue. To use this shortcut, you’ll need to install Kutools for Word – it includes groups of tools that will make your job easier. Here’s a quick guide on using Kutools for Word to fix the Cross-References errors: If this didn’t allow you to resolve the issue, move down to the final method below.
Method 4: Repairing the Office installation
As it turns out, this particular issue can also occur if files from the Office installation have become corrupted. Several affected users have reported that the issue was resolved after they repaired the Office installation. After doing so and restarting their computer, printing the document no longer triggered the Error Reference Source Not Found message. Here’s a quick guide on repairing the Office installation:
How to Setup Out Of Office replies in Outlook 2013/2016 and 2010Fix: Outlook Not Sending Emails ‘2007, 2010, 2013, 2016’Fix: Outlook Stuck on Loading Profile ‘2010, 2013 and 2016’How to Fix Outlook “2007, 2010, 2013, 2016” Starting in Safe Mode
