Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 30, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Rusty has a file saved on the local hard drive and has Word set up to save AutoRecover files periodically. He can open the document and modify it, but when the time comes for Word to automatically save an AutoRecover file, the program displays an error message stating the file couldn't be saved because it is in use by another user or process. Rusty has killed all the processes he can, there is no network connection, there are no other users, and nothing is running on the computer except Word.
There are a few things you can check out, which means it is time to do some trial-and-error testing. First, you may want to go grab a utility that can tell you what process or program has your document locked. This is one (Process Explorer) recommended by our readers:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/process-explorer
Chances are good, of course, that you'll only discover what you already know—Word has the file locked. If that is the case, then Word is obviously confused. It could be that there is something "funky" with the internal format of the Word document, meaning that it is on the edge of full-blown corruption. Try saving the document under a different name and then using the newly saved document for future editing.
If the problem persists, it may be that the file path used by AutoRecover has become corrupted in some way. Run your Windows diagnostics, outside of Word, to check the hard drive for any errors. Then, within Word, change the file location settings so that AutoRecover uses a different path in which to store its files.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6687) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Want the full path name for a document visible on the screen? Easily add it to a menu bar.
Discover MoreIf you try to add spaces to the beginning of a document's file name, Word normally strips them away. This tip examines ...
Discover MoreWhen you first save a new file, Word bases the name of that file on the contents of the start of the first paragraph in ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments