Windows Error Message

Question

I'm trying to open Word files downloaded from my work's website. I keep getting an error message/dialog box pop up saying:

"Word experienced an error trying to open the file. Try these suggestions.

-Check the file permissions for the document or drive.

-Make sure there is sufficient free memory and disk space.

-Open the file with the Text Recovery converter.

I have tried all of the suggestions and none work.

Answer 1

Follow these steps in order until the files open correctly.

1. Unblock a single downloaded file
   1. In File Explorer, right-click the Word document that shows the error.
   2. Select Properties.
   3. On the General tab, if there is an Unblock checkbox or button near the bottom, select Unblock.
   4. Select OK, then try opening the file in Word again.
2. If many downloaded files fail, add a trusted location
   1. Create or choose a folder (for example, C:\WorkDocs) and move the affected Word files into that folder.
   2. Open Word.
   3. Select File > Options.
   4. Select Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
   5. Select Trusted Locations.
   6. Select Add new location.
   7. Browse to and select the folder that contains the downloaded files (for example, C:\WorkDocs).
   8. Select OK, then OK again to close all dialogs.
   9. Close and reopen Word, then open one of the files from that trusted folder.
3. If opening from Outlook or another external source If the file is being opened directly from Outlook or a browser download prompt, first save it locally, then open it from Word:
   1. Save the attachment or download to a local folder (for example, Documents or the trusted folder created above).
   2. Open Word.
   3. Select File > Open > Browse and open the saved file from that folder.
4. If the file might be damaged Try Word’s built-in repair:
   1. Open Word.
   2. Select File > Open > Browse.
   3. Select the problematic document once.
   4. Use the drop-down arrow on the Open button and select Open and Repair.

If the issue is specifically when opening from Outlook on Windows 8/8.1/Server 2012 and similar errors appear for Excel or PowerPoint, ensure the Windows Firewall service is running:

1. Press Windows logo key + R.
2. Type services.msc and select OK.
3. In Services, right-click Windows Firewall and select Start.

Then retry opening the document from Outlook or after saving it locally.

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References:

• How to resolve the problem "Word experienced an error trying to open the file" when opening a Word 2007/2010 file (Easy Fix Article)
• Cannot open Word documents or Excel spreadsheets from an external source in Outlook
• You receive an error message when you try to open an Office document
• Errors opening Office files after upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10