Word won't let me open my files.

[fetfet]

I've just completed a few documents on Microsoft Word 2007, and need them printed out. But everytime I try to open the docs, it just says, "The file is not available" and nothing. I don't know what's causing it, and it's never happened before, and i'm quite worried.

Please help.

[ThatGermanDude]

-try right clicking on the file and choose "open with" and pick 'word'
-or try moving the file to a different location and then open it

[Stumbo]

Close everything down and reboot.
Check the directory with MicroSoft Explorer to determine if the files are still there.
Try what ThatGermanDude suggested.

[fetfet]

I've rebooted, and i'm pretty sure the files are still there, but i still get the message. It happens with all word documents i try to open.

[Stumbo]

Can you start a new document, save it and then open it?

[fetfet]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Can you start a new document, save it and then open it?

No.

[Stumbo]

Has anything changed in your system before you received this message?

[fetfet]

I'm not sure, but i installed a new update after i recieved the message, and that didn't help.

[Stumbo]

Do you have or have you had Norton Anti-virus on your computer?

[fetfet]

I've got AVG, and the remnants of McAfee, but that's it.

[Stumbo]

Seems like a conflict with your anti-virus may be the culprit.
http://www.microsoft.com/communities...=en-us&m=1&p=1

[Rodent]

your Word seedfile that has somehow gone bad. IIRC it's named Normal.dot and can be found down inside in your Documents and Settings folder, the exact folder depends on how you have configured your user settings

edited to add: I know, I've to fix mine a few times over the years

all the best,

R

[Stumbo]

Thread on normal.dot corruption:
http://forums.techguy.org/windows-nt...e-corrupt.html

Another thread on anti-virus conflict:
http://www.techimo.com/forum/applica...available.html

[fetfet]

Should i uninstall AVG or McAfee?

Also, i don't think it's a problem with my normal.dot file.

[Rodent]

thankfully my laptop was configured for two users so I could simply copy the good Normal.dot into my templates directory

viola! all was good

unlike the referenced webpage above, I did not need to make registry modifications. I also had no need to reboot once I correctly copied the good file to its new home

all the best,

R

[Rodent]

no need to uninstall your antivirus

and it's normal.dot not normal.doc that is the problem file you need to address

all the best,

R

[Stumbo]

According to this thread, try uninstalling AVG, running Word, then reinstalling AVG.
http://help.lockergnome.com/office/w...ict878864.html

[fetfet]

I'm having a hard time finding the file.

Also, i'm not getting a box when i close word, just when i open a file.

Thanks guys for helping out.

[Rodent]

Originally Posted by fetfet

I'm having a hard time finding the file.

Also, i'm not getting a box when i close word, just when i open a file.

Thanks guys for helping out.

you need to do an advanced option to display hidden files when searching for normal.dot

hey guys ... looks like people who haven't personally fixed this before have loads of Google found advice. I'm bowing out to the 'experts'

all the best,

R

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Rodent

looks like people who haven't personally fixed this before have loads of Google found advice. I'm bowing out to the 'experts'

Nothing wrong with Google found advice from people who have fixed this problem before, just like you. Two avenues popped up: the anti-virus and the normal.dot (which I also posted on).

No downside to investigating both. Not sure why you're getting bugged because other people post addition possible solutions.

Btw, I was an converted accountant that did business software design, installation, training, teaching, consulting, marketing, trouble shooting and telephone support for over 20 years.

For future reference, you don't have to have personally experienced a problem to figure out how to fix it. Just ask an oncologist about cancer.