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Written by Tech Notes

Published: 13 May 2014

Location And Recovery Of MS Word Temporary File

Initial Note:

Introduction Regarding Microsoft Word Temporary File and Location.

When you open a Microsoft Word document, and as you type and change things, it creates a temporary file.  Even if you never saved your document, that temporary MS Word file can be used to recover what you wrote in case the computer crashes, or the software crashes, or power goes out, or any other reason why the MS Word would cease to function suddenly.

On Windows XP and some other Windows OS computers, the temporary file is within the Windows temp directory typically located at C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application Data\Microsoft\Word.  Look below for a list of other locations the temporary file can be in.  If the file is stored on a network drive, then the temporary file will be created in that network drive location.

Also, if you open a existing Word document, a temporary file can be created as well, and that temporary file would be in the same folder that the Word document you opened is in.

Name And Format Of The Temporary MS Word File.

1. A MS Word document can end with a .tmp or a .wbk.
   
   
2. A MS Word document starts with a ~, telda symbol.
   
   
3. Here are two examples of such files: ~WRL1287.tmp and ~WRA2009.wbk

To Recover Lost Data Or Not Saved MS Word

Simply find the temporary file and open it, and it should automatically be opened with MS Word.  If not, then select it with your right mouse button and select Open With, and then choose from list the Microsoft Word software to open the temporary file with.

List Of Locations The Temporary File Can Be Listed In

1. On Windows XP and other Windows Systems the locations would be:
   
   
   1. C:\ Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Word
   2. C:\ Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp
2.  On Windows 7 and Vista the locations will be:
   
   
   1. C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Word
   2. C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Temp