Invisible file

Question

I have a strange problem. I found a Word-document using the Search-function. But once I looked at the location where it was supposed to be it was not there! I went back to Search and copied the file to another location. Same result: when I tried to find it there it was gone. Opening the file from Search is not possible: I get an error saying the file is damaged and cannot be opened. I can open other docs without a problem. I'm using Word 2016 on a Mac. Does anybody have a clue how I can resolve this?

Answer 1

If it has a "." or a "~" it's an invisible file. Invisible files are tricky sometimes they are meant to be hidden so they can be altered other somehow get their visibility flag changed because something happened if you come across such a file unless it has an office application extension (docx, xlsx, pptx, or doc, xls, ppt) don't touch it.  Next look at the date. If it has a very recent date, don't touch it. If it does, simply remove the dot, or the "~" and wait a few seconds then try to open. Caution it might be corrupt.  If the file is corrupt, throw it away. 

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Answer 2

Was the file located on a removable device (USB Stick) when it was being edited, or was it saved directly to such a device?

You should NEVER do that as corruption of the document, sometimes terminally, is an almost certain consequence.

If the document is not too large to attach to an email message, send me a copy of it that way, referencing this thread in the covering email message.

Alternatively, upload a copy of the document to the following folder of my OneDrive

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AmuIXmFDy-1a8nP3RpgnYHp-5zXK

and send me an email to the address shown in my signature and I will see if I can recover anything from your document.

Answer 3

Thanks for your reply, Joshua.

1. No.
2. I created this file myself.
3. The error-message says the file can't be opened due to a content problem. Details: This file can't be opened in MS Office because some parts are missing or not valid (Unfortunately I can't post a screenshot).
4. Word for Mac 16.11.

Answer 4

Hi Sascha,

To help us clarify your scenario, please provide some more information:

1. Does the issue occur to the file before?
2. Where is the file from? Did you create the file or get the file from someone else?
3. Regarding “I get an error saying the file is damaged and cannot be opened”, could you please provide a screenshot of this to help us better understand your situation?
4. What’s your Word version? Please check in Word > About Word and show up a screenshot of this page.

Disclaimer: To protect your privacy, please mask your PII before you upload the picture.

Regards,

Joshua