Word 2.x Document Object Corrupt After Editing in Word 6.0

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

SYMPTOMS

If you double-click a Word 2.x for Windows object to edit or open it in Word 6.0 for Windows, that OLE (object linking and embedding) object may become irretrievably corrupt. The next time you try to edit the object, Word 6.0 does not recognize the file format, and the Convert File dialog box appears.

This happens when the Word 2.x object is embedded in any OLE 2 container application such as Word 6.0, Microsoft Excel 5.0, or Microsoft PowerPoint 4.0.

CAUSE

The Word 2.x object becomes corrupt if, after you open the object for editing in Word 6.0, you do not save or update the object before you close it. If you save or update the object in Word 6.0 before you return to the container application, the object converts to Word 6.0 format and does not become corrupt.

Note: This happens both when you edit the object in place (OLE Edit verb) and when you open the object in a separate Word 6.0 window (OLE Open verb).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 6.0 and 6.0a for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

Once you open the Word 2.x document object for editing in Word 6.0, choose Save or Update from the File menu, even if you do not make any changes.