"Cannot save or create this file" and "out of memory" error messages in Word X for Mac (840550)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word X for Mac

SYMPTOMS

When you try to save a Microsoft Word X for Mac document, you may receive the following error message:
Word cannot save or create this file. The disk may be full or write protected.
If you try to print from Word X or if you try to use any other Word X feature after you receive this error message, you receive an "out of memory" error message.

The Activity Monitor shows that Word X is using 120 megabytes (MB)-or-more of Real Memory in this scenario.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the AutoRecover feature in Word X is set to a time interval of three minutes or less, and you keep a document open in Word X for three hours or longer.

If you quit Word X after you receive the "cannot save or create this file" error message, the Real Memory that Word X was using is released. When you restart Word X, the Activity Monitor now shows that Word X is using the standard amount of Real Memory.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, you can turn off the AutoRecover feature or you can set the interval to 10 minutes or longer. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the Word menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click Save.
  3. Do either of the following:
    • Click to clear the Save AutoRecover info every check box to turn off the AutoRecover feature.
    • Set the time interval to 10 minutes or longer.
  4. Click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/7/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB840550 kbAudEndUser
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