Autosave Recovers Files Overwrites Loaded Documents in Word

ID: Q43681

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for MS-DOS, version 5.0

SUMMARY

Microsoft Word for DOS version 5.0 overwrites a document file if the document file and the autosave file both reside in the same directory.

To workaround this problem, either store your document files in a directory other than the Word program directory or do not start Word with the /l switch. Furthermore, do not start Word with a document name on the command line.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Start Word and load any document file from the program directory (for example, ZOO.DOC) that already has a .BAK file.


  2. Edit ZOO.DOC and allow one autosave to occur.


  3. Reboot the computer while Word is active.


  4. Restart Word with the /l switch or by typing WORD ZOO.


  5. Answer Y to the prompt to recover the autosave file.


Word loads the ZOO.DOC file, but it also overwrites the ZOO.DOC file when autosave recovery occurs. The loaded ZOO.DOC file now is accessing ZOO.BAK, rather than the new ZOO.DOC. It is recommended at this point that you perform a Transfer Clear All. Then, Transfer Load ZOO.DOC back into Word.

Microsoft has confirmed this as a problem in Word version 5.0. This problem is corrected in Word version 5.5.

Additional query words: 5.00 5.50

Keywords : kbusage
Version : MS-DOS:5.0
Platform : MS-DOS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: December 20, 1999
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