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Efficiently extract all embedded files from a Word .docx files

Anonymous
2020-02-03T23:19:08+00:00

I am on Windows 10 Pro, Word 365 Version 1912 (Build 12325.20344 Click-to-Run). I have received several Word .docx files with 50+ embedded files of types .docx, .xlsx, .pdf, etc. The file originally had a password that I have removed. I would like an efficient method of saving all of these files to a local folder without needing to individually open and save all of them from the .docx file. I have been unable to find a method that works correctly. Below are attempts that I have made. I believe this is a relatively simple request that should have a simple solve although it has proved to be extremely elusive. 

  1. Saving as .zip file (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_2007-customize/how-to-extract-embedded-files-from-word-document/6a92bd9a-1ceb-4cf8-bd6f-ebad955cbdc1?msgId=eafee3fc-5598-4641-a9d8-ee4a7b723c03&tab=question&status=AllReplies&page=2)

Ineffective at saving many file formats. PDFs are converted to .bin files that cannot be reverted to PDFs. (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/how-to-quickly-extract-embedded-pdf-files-from/f0408fb4-2ca9-48bc-8cda-6db84969207d)

  1. Saving as a webpage

Similar issue as above. Converts all images and files to .png and .emz files that cannot be salvaged. 

  1. Running a macro (https://www.datanumen.com/blogs/2-quick-ways-extract-ms-office-files-embedded-word-document/)

Ran macro from this link. Terminated with 'Run-time error -'2147467259 (80004005)':  Method 'Open' of object 'OLEFormat' failed'

I am not well-versed in VBA, so I do not know if this macro could be modified to suit my needs.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 322.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-02-04T00:31:27+00:00

    If the files are actually embedded, rather than linked, I am not sure that it will be possible.  However, if you send me a copy of the document, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-02-05T10:49:56+00:00

    Hi A_Chen，

    Thanks for your updates with PM, as you mentioned that you would like to use VBA macro to achieve your requirement, and we really want to help while it is beyond of our support boundary.

    Therefore, we will move this thread to the related category so that other moderators can assist you further.

    Really thanks for your understanding and patience.  

    Have a nice day!

    Best regards,

    Gloria

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-02-04T21:46:51+00:00

    Sure thing, messaged!

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-02-04T11:33:06+00:00

    Hi A_Chen，

    Per your description, you would like to extract all embedded files from a Word document. To troubleshot it, as what Dough said, it’s better to collect your sample file to further investigate, you can send it via PM.

    Appreciate your understanding.

    Best regards,

    Gloria

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-02-04T00:46:48+00:00

    Thanks, I will do that!

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