WD98: Documents Saved to DOS-Formatted Disks Become Damaged (302583)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q302583

SYMPTOMS

When you save Word 98 Macintosh Edition files to a DOS-formatted disk, the files may become damaged. This may happen with versions 8.5 to 9.x of the Macintosh operating system.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because the Apple File Exchange changes the name of the Word 98 temporary file on the DOS-formatted disk while the temporary file is still in use.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Use a disk that is formatted as a Macintosh disk instead of using a DOS-formatted disk. To format a disk on a Macintosh computer:
  1. Insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.

    If the floppy disk is not blank, copy all necessary files from the floppy disk onto the hard disk before you continue to Step 2. Do not save the files to the Desktop, because the files would still be considered to be part of the floppy disk and would be deleted when you erase the floppy disk.
  2. On the Special menu, click Erase Disk.
  3. In the Format list, click Macintosh 1.4 MB, and then click Erase.

Method 2

Save the files to the hard disk, and then copy them to the floppy disk:
  1. Insert the floppy disk that has the files into the floppy disk drive.
  2. Open the file in Microsoft Word. Complete your changes to the document.
  3. Save the document to the hard disk:
    1. On the File menu, click Save As.
    2. Select the name of the hard disk from the list, type a name for the file, and then click Save.
  4. After the file is saved to the hard disk, complete the changes to the document, and then save and close the file.
  5. Click the Finder icon, and then click Hide Microsoft Word to view the Desktop.
  6. Open the hard disk, and locate the file.
  7. Drag the file to the icon for the floppy disk drive, and then drop the file on the floppy disk by releasing the mouse button.

Method 3

Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2001 for the Macintosh.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/4/2002
Keywords:kbprb KB302583