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-   -   Recover Deleted Word Document (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=294599)

  • Dec 21, 2008, 07:21 PM
    mitchsc
    Recover Deleted Word Document
    My wife typed up a long Word doc and never named or saved it. Just closed it. (She's still learning)

    Is there any way to recover it?

    Thanks...
  • Dec 21, 2008, 07:28 PM
    ScottGem

    When you close a Word doc, it prompts you to save it. If she didn't its likely gone. You can try opening Word again and see if it recovers it.
  • Dec 21, 2008, 08:33 PM
    mitchsc

    Thanks.

    That's what I thought, but was hoping there was a "secret" folder somewhere that these docs go before they disappear completely...
  • Dec 22, 2008, 12:39 AM
    Stringer

    I have done this a few times when I was even more stupid than I am now...

    I am not a computer expert at all but twice when I did it, it was still listed on the right hand column of the Word page when I opened Word again. Try to see if it is still there... hopefully

    Stringer
  • Dec 22, 2008, 01:18 AM
    asking

    I am a writer and I don't type more than a few words before I name the document and save it to a particular folder. Then I save every time I pause while typing for even a few seconds. It's hard on the "s" key, but I don't lose much...
  • Dec 22, 2008, 01:41 AM
    Curlyben
    Asking, you should use the Autosave feature and maybe reduce the save intervals ;)

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MS Word 2003
    • On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Save tab.
    • Select the Save AutoRecover info every check box.
    • In the minutes box, specify how often you want your Microsoft Office program to save files.

    This is a back up to regular Saves.
  • Dec 22, 2008, 06:21 AM
    mitchsc

    I think everyone has done this once.

    I bet my wife never does it again. I thought she was going to have a stroke.

    I saw a free program online called "undelete" but I'm not sure if it would work on a doc that was never named or saved.

    Curlyben, do you know if autosave still works on unnamed documents?
  • Dec 22, 2008, 06:23 AM
    NeedKarma
    Open Word>Tools>Options>File Locations note down the location for AutoRecovery files folder... then open this folder to check if the file is still there.
  • Dec 22, 2008, 06:41 AM
    mitchsc

    The only folder in that location is Startup.

    Would the Autorecovery folder only exist after an improper shutdown? (like a power failure?)
  • Dec 22, 2008, 06:57 AM
    NeedKarma
    No it would exist if the feature was enabled. :(
  • Dec 22, 2008, 07:00 AM
    mitchsc

    That's odd. I have my auto recovery enabled, but do not have an auto recovery folder??
  • Dec 22, 2008, 07:06 AM
    NeedKarma
    What version of Office?
  • Dec 22, 2008, 07:11 AM
    mitchsc

    2003

    I do have temp files in that location. Just not a folder called Auto Recovery.
  • Dec 22, 2008, 07:48 AM
    ScottGem

    If AutoRecovery is enabled, when you re-open Word, it will prompt you with a list of recoverable files. That's why I suggested just reloading word.
  • Dec 22, 2008, 07:54 AM
    mitchsc

    I see. Thanks SG...
  • Dec 22, 2008, 02:41 PM
    letmetellu

    If you have knowledge about DOS, there is a undelete, possible that it could be done there. Also under Windows you could look in "Recent"
  • Dec 22, 2008, 03:24 PM
    cogs

    I don't understand how you can delete it when it asks you 'save', yes, no, cancel? Not being smart, but curious?
  • Dec 22, 2008, 05:09 PM
    mitchsc

    Cogs,

    Fair question.

    My wife is new to computers and really struggling to learn. I know it seems impossible to ignore the "save question", but she gets hasty and moves too fast sometimes.

    I think I made her feel pretty bad when I expressed my disbelief as she told me what she did.

    I can still remember deleting a file at work many years ago when I was still learning. I think I acutally screamed out loud.

    Believe me, she feels pretty stupid right now.

    Good news actually. She JUST found a printed page of the file, so I'm going to scan it through OCR and try to recreate it for her.

    My guess is, she will never do that again...

    I appreciate you being curious vs "smart". I still consider myself a beginner, and always appreciate the help I get from you all on this board. If I got nailed for making mistakes (as I've seen with some other postings) I'd be reluctant to ask for help.

    Happy Holidays...

    PS: Is anyone else having trouble with spell check on this site? It hasn't worked for me in many weeks.
  • Dec 22, 2008, 05:13 PM
    mitchsc
    LETMETELLU,

    Where can I find "Recent" in windows?
  • Dec 22, 2008, 09:00 PM
    cogs

    Start/all programs/recent
  • Dec 23, 2008, 07:42 AM
    mitchsc

    I don't have "Recent"

    I have XP Home. Could that be the reason?

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