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Computer help forum: Weird corrupt ghost files??

by: roseflight February 24, 2013 10:22 PM PST

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Weird corrupt ghost files??

by roseflight - 2/24/13 10:22 PM

I have an HP Pavilion dv6 with Windows 7 Home Premium and a 64-bit OS. The version of Word I'm using is Microsoft Word Starter.

For some reason whenever I save a .docx file from microsoft word it will create both a usable file and a strange unusable file with the first two letters of the file name replaced with ~$.

If I try to open one of these files an alert pops up saying the file cannot be opened because of problems with it's contents.

If I show the details it just tells my that the file is corrupt and cannot be opened.

I don't know if this is from a virus or if there's something wrong with my version of word but it's very strange and a bit disturbing.

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"Ghost Files"

by mchainmchain - 2/25/13 3:54 AM

In Reply to: Weird corrupt ghost files?? by roseflight

Likely you have set your folders/files to "show hidden files."

Word creates temporary files that are hidden from normal view, and sometimes they do not get cleared out when you exit your document, and are left behind on the disk. These files do pop up when you save or have the program set to save a document in progress.

Scan these ~$$ files with your virus scanner program if you think it necessary.

Nothing to worry about.


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Thanks!

by roseflight - 2/25/13 4:03 PM

In Reply to: "Ghost Files" by mchainmchain

Thanks a bunch! I suppose I should have checked that setting earlier since I'd accidentally turned it on once before....


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Word starter etc.

by pgc3 - 2/25/13 6:36 AM

In Reply to: Weird corrupt ghost files?? by roseflight

Why don't you just download Libre/Open Office and get rid of the starter? Many use Open Office INSTEAD of MS Office full version, it is very functional and it is free, I have used Open/Libre Office for some years now and find it a really good way to go.


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Open Office etc.

by roseflight - 2/25/13 4:08 PM

In Reply to: Word starter etc. by pgc3

I also have Open Office and use it for most things I do on my own, I just find it easier to use Word with some files I have to edit for school and work. Turns out the same thing was happening with .ods and .odt files anyway and I was just being dumb with the settings.


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Open Office is a bit out of date.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/25/13 4:12 PM

In Reply to: Open Office etc. by roseflight

Move up when you get a chance.


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