How do you disable the Microsoft Backup in Word

The location of the option to create/not create backup copy varies with the Word version. For 2010, it is in the Advance Options section. There, in the Save section, you will see an option to   allow background saves.

I don't see much of a down side for having a backup copy (disk space cost being one). As for background saves: in certain earlier Word versions, there was a slight risk of file corruption with then so-called "fast saves"; however, I have seen no reports of problems with background saves in recent versions. However needs and views differ and that's why the options are there.

If you refer to Windows backup facilities for system, application and other files, the settings for those features can be accessed through

Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Backup and Restore

and

Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System      then  System Protection from left side of window.

Tom Ferguson

Hello LisaC74,

Are we talking about the auto save feature here? Why would you want to disable such a feature? It is part of the auto recover sequence and helps should you inadvertently loose your document.

To disable the auto save option you need to go to the Word Options and click on the Save tab (Word 2010. earlier versions may be different)

Remove the check mark (tick) from 'save auto recover information every' option and 'keep the last autosaved version if I close without saving.'

This forum post is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of Microsoft, its employees, or other MVPs.

John Barnett MVP: Windows XP Associate Expert: Windows Expert - Consumer: www.winuser.co.uk | vistasupport.mvps.org |xphelpandsupport.mvps.org |www.silversurfer-guide.com