How to resolve the problem "Word experienced an error trying to open the file" when opening a Word 2007/2010 file (Easy Fix Article)

Article ID: 2749199 - View products that this article applies to.

Collapse this imageExpand this image

(http://support.microsoft.com)

article

Whys and Wherefores

When I try to open a Word 2007/2010 file, an error message "Word experienced an error trying to open the file. Please try the following suggestions" occurs, and the file couldn't be opened properly. How can I resolve this problem?

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Back to the top | Give Feedback

Cause

This problem usually occurs when the file was altered by a third-party software during the transmission process, and hence the file cannot be opened.

Back to the top | Give Feedback

Solution

First, right-click the Word file that you have problems with, and click "Property".

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Click "Unblock", when done, click"OK". (Note: a properly-working Word file does not have an "Unblock" button displayed).

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Next, you should be able to open this file without further problems. If you encountered this problem in many of your files, you may try the following steps: first, move these files into the same folder, open Word 2010, and then click "File", and click "Options". (For Word 2007, please click "Office" button, and then click "Word options").

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Click "Trust Center", and then click "Trust Center Settings".

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Next, click "Trusted Locations", and click "Add new location".

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Select the folder where you have just moved your files to; when done, click "OK" and then click "OK" again.

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Back to the top | Give Feedback

Please let us know

Collapse this tableExpand this table

Collapse this imageExpand this image

Are you satisfied with our contents? Whether you think:
"Great! Problems solved."
or "Problems are not solved. I have a better idea."
we would like you to provide us with your precious opinions using the survey form which can be located at the bottom of this article. We welcome any encouragements you may have, and will be creating more useful technical articles for you.

Back to the top | Give Feedback