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

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.

Solution

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





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





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").





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





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





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

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