How to Recover Lost Word files - Part 5

In this article, we explain how to search for Word's temporary files. Word creates these backup files as you write your document. If Word crashes, you can open these files and recover the material you've written.

Many technical writers use the 'Always create backup copy' setting (Tools, Options, Save tab) to automatically create a backup copy of their files. This may work if the settings are correct and the file 'crashed' when you expected it to, i.e. just after the auto-setting make a save.

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How to Search for Temporary Files

If these methods do not find the file, you can search for temporary files:

1. Click Start, click Search, and then click For Files or Folders.

2. In the Search for files or folders named box, type *.TMP.

3. In the Look in box, point to the arrow, and then click My Computer.

4. If the Search Options are not visible, click Search Options.

5. Click to select the Date check box, click in the last  number of days, and then change n to the number of days since you last opened the file.

6. Click Search.

7. On the View menu, click Details, point to Arrange Icons, and click by Date.

8. Scroll down searching for files that match the last few dates and times that you edited the document.

How to Recover Lost Word Files - Other Links

How to search for Microsoft Word's Backup files

How to force Word to close after it crashes

How to Recover Text from a Crashed Word File

How to search for Microsoft Word's Temporary Files

How to search for Microsoft Word's Lost Files

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