How to fix the “There are problems with your account. To fix them, sign in again.” error in Office 2013

UPDATE 1: This method works on some PCs, but not others. I’m really not sure why. The only thing I can think of is that maybe Microsoft Office’s cloud backend doesn’t expect simultaneous Microsoft Account logins for standalone (read: non-Office 365) installations.

UPDATE 2: After the latest round of Office 2013 patches, this is apparently fixed simply by clicking on your account name in the top right corner of the application window.

You fire up an Office application, only to see a yellow warning icon ⚠ next to your account name at the top right of the window. Clicking on it gives you this ominous message:

There are problems with your account. To fix them, sign in again.

However, when you click the Fix It button, nothing happens. Here’s how to set things straight, assuming you’re using Windows 8.1U2:

1. Click the File tab.
2. Click Account.
3. Click About Me as shown below. This will load the Microsoft Account login page in your default browser.

   

   If only this were obvious. But it isn’t, which is why I’m here.

4. Sign in to your Microsoft Account. The warning icon in Office should now be gone.