Getting error "Word couldn't create the work file. Check the environment variable." in Word 2007

Anonymous
2015-04-05T06:58:48+00:00

Hi,

I'm getting this error "Word couldn't create the work file. Check the environment variable." while opening a Word document in MS Word 2007. Also, I'm getting another error "There was a problem sending the command to program." I've attached the screenshots.

How can I fix this?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 322.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-04-05T07:41:59+00:00

    The error message "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable". Can be caused by incorrect registry values in the key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders.

    Click Start and in the start search field, type

    Regedit

    and press enter.

    In the registry editor, browse to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders

    On the right hand pane, check the value data for Cache.

    It has to be %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files.

    If it is different, double click on Cache and type:

    %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

    under value data and click ok. Close the registry and  restart the computer and check if it works.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-04-05T08:37:39+00:00

    The error message "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable". Can be caused by incorrect registry values in the key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders.

    Click Start and in the start search field, type

    Regedit

    and press enter.

    In the registry editor, browse to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders

    On the right hand pane, check the value data for Cache.

    It has to be %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files.

    If it is different, double click on Cache and type:

    %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

    under value data and click ok. Close the registry and  restart the computer and check if it works.

    That's great..! Everything is fixed now.. Thanks a lot Mr. Robbins..

    Can you help me fix this too..?

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