If you encounter the error mentioned above, here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:

1. Potential Caching Issue in Microsoft Word

This problem may be caused by cached data within Microsoft Word or your browser.

Basic Cache Clearing Steps:

• Mac Users (using RCM):
  Click on Clear Web Cache, then select Reload. You will be prompted to log in again.
  In a browser, press Command + Shift + Delete to clear the cache.
• Windows Users:
  Open your browser and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to access cache clearing options.
• Chromebook Users:
  Use Ctrl + Shift + Backspace to clear the browser cache.

Advanced Cache Clearing

Please follow these three steps:

1. Try reloading the plugin by clicking the small white arrow in the top-right corner and selecting "Reload." This will refresh the plugin and may resolve any temporary errors.

2. Clear the plugin's cached data. This involves several steps:

• Click the same white arrow and choose "Attach Debugger."

• In the new window that opens, click on the "Application" tab.

• Then, right-click on each of the following three items and select "Clear." (Note: These sections are usually collapsed, so you'll need to expand them first.)

Please ensure that all three are cleared.

Once you've completed the steps above, please restart Microsoft Word. You’ll then be prompted to log in to the RCM plugin again.

2. Verify You’re Using the RefWorks Version of the Output Style, Not a CSL Version

Check the full name of the citation style you're using. Does the title end with (CSL)? CSL styles are marked with a green CSL icon.

If so, please note that CSL (Crowd-Sourced Styles Language) styles are open-source and imported from external sources. RefWorks does not maintain or guarantee their accuracy or functionality.

Whenever possible, try switching to a non-CSL (RefWorks-maintained) style to see if the issue is resolved.

Example: CSL styles are indicated by a green CSL icon.

3. The Issue May Be Related to the Most Recently Cited References

1. Try removing the most recently cited references and check if the error disappears.
2. If removing them resolves the issue, it likely means the reference is either corrupted or contains problematic metadata.
3. In this case, it's best to delete the reference and insert a fresh citation to avoid further errors.

• Article last edited: 6-Oct-2025