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Corrupted Word file, probably due to math formulas

Anonymous
2012-08-21T23:18:23+00:00

I've worked all afternoon on a Word file using Word 2008 (but I believe the file was created in Word 2011) and suddenly, when I try to open the file, I get the error message "The Open XML File ... cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents. (Details:  unspecified error, location: 3110)."  The file contains mathematical formulas, which did not display properly in Word 2008, but do display properly (in an old version of the file) in Word 2011.  The modified, current version of the file also cannot be opened on another Mac running Office 2011--essentially the same error message.  I see that there is a thread from Alexander_stckhm from April 22, 2012 that seems very similar to my problem.  See http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/mac/forum/macoffice2011-macword/msword-corrupted-xml-file-corrpted-because-of-math/68bd699c-b83a-4df2-81ce-1e1b9ad7db7b    I strongly suspect that the formulas created a problem with the file--can someone please fix it, in the way that Alexander_stckhm's file was fixed?  Link to MSWord file:  https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6954866/Problem-file-David-S\_826.docx

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Anonymous
2012-08-22T09:31:48+00:00

There seem to be no syntax errors on the largest component files in the .docx. (I checked only the files that could store 3110 characters or more.) Online converters, as well as the old MS XML converter, fail as well.

However, OpenOffice did open the file, but it lost the equation forms (leaving some strings behind). And TextEdit also opens it, but does not interpret tracked changes or equations at all.

Thus, if no one else provides a better solution, try converting it with OpenOffice, then Save As .doc or .rtf, reopen in Word, fix the file and Save As into the original format. Keep copies of versions and stay away from tracked changes, choosing instead to compare versions of the file whenever you need to see the differences.

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  1. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2012-09-27T17:35:38+00:00

    I would suggest you next software how to repair corrupted word file works with .corrupted .doc, .docx, .dot, .dotx and .rtf formats  

    It restores information from corrupted documents located on floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, Zip drives, etc

    You are welcome to post suggestions for software in this forum, provided it works on a Mac. The product you suggested is inappropriate for Mac users, which could result in your posting being considered spam.

    Please be more careful in the future.

    Thank you.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-08-22T20:17:48+00:00

    Thanks very much!  This was a huge help.  I was able to recover all of my edits by opening the document in OpenOffice.  Really happy!

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