Whenever you are using Managed Metadata in SharePoint 2010 you might come across the following scenario:
- Create a document using Word 2010 and fill out all of the properties (this can be done using Office or the edit properties screen)
- Open this document using Word 2003
- Save this document in Word 2003 (there is no need to make ANY changes, just open it and save it.
It might be possible that the Managed Metadata columns are empty because Office 2003 has overwritten them with a blank value.
When is this problem occuring
The problem mentioned above only occurs when all of the Managed Metadata columns are multi value.
To avoid having this problem, make sure one of the Managed Metadata columns is single value AND make sure it contains a value before opening it in Word 2003.
If one of the MM fields is single value but not containing any value, the same error will occur.
Possible solution
If you have the need to open documents in both Office 2010 and 2003 while working with Managed Metadata make sure there is at least one single value MM field present.
If they really have to be all multi value you can add a hidden field and give it a default value. This field will never be visible but it will make sure your managed metadata will work in office 2003 