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Can't Open File

Helen Methvin Payne 0 Reputation points
2026-06-01T00:42:54.27+00:00

Why am I getting this message when I try to open a Word file? See attached screen shot of the message:

Screenshot 2026-05-31 at 8.36.53 PM

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | MacOS

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 71,690 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-01T01:21:13.12+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    This usually happens if the file was moved, renamed, deleted, or you're signed into a different Microsoft account than the one that originally stored the file.

    1. Was this file originally saved in OneDrive or locally on your Mac?
    2. If you sign in to OneDrive on the web, do you see the file there or in the Recycle Bin?

    The Recent list in Word only contains shortcuts to files you've opened before. It does not store the actual files, so if the original file was moved or removed, you'll see errors like the one in your screenshot.

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