The "Allow background setting" option is ignored when you save a document programmatically in Word (922033)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Word 2003
  • Microsoft Word 2002
  • Microsoft Word 2000

SYMPTOMS

Consider the following scenario. You use a macro code to programmatically save a document to a network share in Microsoft Word. Additionally, you have the Allow background saves option enabled in Word. You then run the macro to save the document in Word.

Then, you try to edit the document while the document is in the save process. In this scenario, you cannot edit the document during the save process as expected.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the save operation must be synchronous for most automatic clients. The following operations require that the save operation is synchronous:
  • the editing operation
  • the saving operation
  • the exiting operation
These operations return with success or with an error before the macro can continue to run. This behavior occurs so that Word can make critical branch decision.

When you perform another action while the save operation is in process, the save operation is returned before Word knows whether the save operation is completed. Because you altered the save process, thousands of existing automatic callers may be broken.

Note This problem occurs even if you have a registry key configured that allows for other actions to be performed during the save operation.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To enable the Allow background saves option, follow these steps:
  1. Start Word.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Save tab in the Options dialog box.
  3. Click to select the Allow background saves check box, and then click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/26/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB922033 kbAudKnowledgeWorker
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.