WD98: Automatically Saving Current Work (Open Document) (189089)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q189089 SUMMARY
Microsoft Word does not have built-in functionality that allows you to
automatically perform a full save of the current document at specific
intervals. Instead, Word uses a separate AutoRecover file to prevent data
loss.
This article explains why the AutoRecover file method is more effective
than automatic full saves.
NOTE: While it is possible to write a macro that will save your document at
regular intervals, this is neither recommended nor supported.
MORE INFORMATIONHow the AutoRecover Feature Works
When you enable the "Save AutoRecover info every" option (click
Preferences on the Tools menu, and click the Save tab), Word creates
a temporary AutoRecover file which includes the latest changes in
your document. This file is updated at the end of each preset period.
This AutoRecover file is created so that it will be available when Word is
restarted after a crash. Each time Word is started, it searches your
computer for these temporary AutoRecover files and automatically opens
them. When Word successfully recovers a file, the file is displayed, and
the document title bar displays the file name of the document as "<file
name> (Recovered)." You can save the file at this time to permanently
preserve your work or save it with a new name using the Save As command on
the File menu.
Why a Separate AutoRecover File Is Better Than an Automatic Full Save
When you perform a full save of your file, there is no way to go back to
your original version. If the document were to be saved automatically, then
there would be many instances where data would be lost because a full save
is irreversible. In contrast, AutoRecover does not overwrite your original
file: this allows you to back out of most errors simply by not saving
changes when you close the file. An AutoRecover file is created or updated
each time there are changes that have not been saved at the end of the
preset time period. You should perform a full save specifically based on
progress you've made in your document rather than arbitrarily at regular
time intervals.
How to Manually Save a File
At any time during an editing session it is possible to save your file
using a keystroke (COMMAND+S), by clicking the save button on the Standard
toolbar, or by clicking Save on the File menu. All of these options will
save the file and then delete the temporary AutoRecover file.
If you forget to save your work prior to closing the Word program, you are
reminded that the work has not been saved and you are given the opportunity
to save or not save. Either option clears the temporary AutoRecover file.
Doing it this way, you are protected in case of crashes, power failures,
and so on.
Another way to protect your work and maintain all of your changes is the
Versions option on the File menu.
For additional information, please see the following article in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base:
176382 WD: Information about the AutoSave/AutoRecover Feature
For more information about the AutoRecover feature, click the Office
Assistant, type "Prevent loss of work and recover lost documents" click
Search, and then click " Prevent loss of work and recover lost documents."
NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the
Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer,
please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
179216 OFF98: How to Use the Microsoft Office Installer Program
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 10/4/2002 |
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Keywords: | kbinfo KB189089 |
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