"The document name or path is not valid" error message when you use the wrong password to open a Word document (286890)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002
This article was previously published under Q286890

SYMPTOMS

When you type the wrong password for a password-protected Word document, you receive an error message similar to the following
The document name or path is not valid. Try these suggestions.
* Check the file permissions for the document or drive.
* Use the File Open dialog box to locate the document.
C:\...\My Documents\filename
instead of one similar to the following:
The password is incorrect. Word cannot open the document.
(C:\...\My Documents\filename)

WORKAROUND

To ensure that Word displays the correct error message when a user attempts to open a password-protected document with an incorrect password, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.
  2. Type the password that you want to use, and then click Advanced.
  3. In the Encryption Type dialog box, select either Office 97/2000 Compatible or Weak Encryption (XOR), and then click OK twice.
  4. In the Confirm Password dialog box, type your password again, and then click OK.
  5. Save the file.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to use passwords to protect documents, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type passwords in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.

For more information about passwords, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

290948 You cannot recover a document that is protected with a password if the password is lost in Word

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/26/2006
Keywords:kbprb kbopenfile kbpasswords kberrmsg kbpending KB286890
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