shadow copies

Question

When I have a document open, in the same directory a hidden shadow copy is created and the start of the file begins with ~$, why is it ?

Answer 1

Temporary files created while using Office programs is different than the shadow copies created on windows.

You may refer the article to know why Word creates temporary files:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/211632

Copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point can be retrieved from the shadow copies created on the computer or network.

If System Protection is turned on, Windows automatically creates shadow copies of files that have been modified since the last restore point was made.

To know about why shadow copies are created, you may refer the below link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Previous-versions-of-files-frequently-asked-questions