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If Word reports “The name in the end tag of the element must match the element type in the start tag,” it has encountered malformed XML in the document. Make an untouched copy of the DOCX before trying to repair it. Microsoft documents one specific cause in older Word versions—mismatched equation tags in documents containing certain anchored objects—but that cause does not explain every file with this error.
What the error means
A DOCX stores document content in XML. In XML, an element’s closing tag must name the same element as its opening tag; for example, <section>...</section> is properly paired. The W3C XML 1.0 specification requires this match: XML 1.0, start-tags and end-tags.
When Word gives this message, it has found a structural mismatch, not merely an unwanted font or layout choice. The message alone does not identify the exact cause or guarantee that the document can be repaired by changing equation tags.
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- Close the error dialog without overwriting the affected document. Make a copy of the DOCX in a separate location and leave the original unchanged. This is a precaution, not a step Microsoft lists in its article.
- If Word displays a Details view, record the complete message and any part name, line, or column it reports. The exact error wording is “The name in the end tag of the element must match the element type in the start tag.”
- Consider what was in the document before the error appeared: in particular, whether it contained an equation alongside an anchored graphic or text box, and whether it was edited and saved again. This may help determine whether Microsoft’s documented scenario is relevant.
When Microsoft’s documented equation repair may apply
Microsoft’s Word troubleshooting article describes a specific issue in Word 2007, Word 2010, and Word 2013. In that scenario, a paragraph contains an equation and an anchored graphical object or text box, and the document develops mismatched oMath tags after being saved, edited again, and saved again. Microsoft notes that “the error may not occur until the document is saved, re-edited and saved again.” See Microsoft’s article on this Word error, last updated June 25, 2025.
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The issue Microsoft illustrates is an ordering problem: an <m:oMath> element starts inside <mc:AlternateContent>, but its closing tag appears after the alternate-content element has already closed. In the corrected structure, the equation element properly encloses the alternate content. The tags must be nested consistently; simply inserting or deleting a tag without understanding the surrounding XML can damage the document further.
Only edit the DOCX XML if you understand the structure
Microsoft’s suggested XML correction is an advanced route for someone comfortable inspecting and correcting XML. If your document does not fit the older-version scenario, Word’s error points to a different part of the file, or you are unsure how the elements should nest, do not assume this fix applies. Ask Microsoft support or a qualified document-recovery professional to assess the file. Microsoft also recommends contacting support if its suggested steps do not resolve the issue.
After Word recovers the document
Opening or recovering the contents does not necessarily fix the underlying XML. For the specific older-version issue, Microsoft describes two follow-up workarounds:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Group text-box objects: In Word 2010 or Word 2013, use the Selection pane to group the text-box objects, then save the recovered file under a new name.
- Save a copy as Rich Text Format: Microsoft also describes saving as Rich Text Format (
.rtf) in Word 2007, Word 2010, or Word 2013.
Keep the recovered DOCX and any RTF copy separate from the untouched original. Saving in a different format can affect document features, and Microsoft warns that symptoms may return after further edits if the underlying structure has not been addressed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the older-version guidance does—and does not—say
Microsoft says Office 2013 and Office 2010 Service Pack 1 resolve the documented issue for new files and help prevent recurrence in recovered files. This is specific legacy guidance for the issue described in that article, not a recommendation to install an old Office service pack or proof that the same cause applies to every current Word version. The article’s technical scope is Word 2007, 2010, and 2013; newer-version cases may need separate diagnosis.
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