Word corrupt file: how to recover it?

Irish Stones

Hi all,
A Word file that I had on a USB drive is corrupt. Is there a way, possibly free, to recover it, even on-line?

The solution described on Microsoft's website does not work...

Thanks!

SmaRkieS

Irish Stones wrote: »

Hi all,
A Word file that I had on a USB drive is corrupt. Is there a way, possibly free, to recover it, even on-line?

The solution described on Microsoft's website does not work...

Thanks!

Might be accessible but only few lines will be displayed, is it because you unplug the USB drive while it is accessing the file?

There might be a quick save file in your PC.

After closing the Word file unwittingly, open up a new MS Word document again. Go to File > Info > Manage Versions. Click on the little dropdown and select Recover Unsaved Documents.

verycool

What's the error message you see when trying to open it?

What online tutorial did you try (link?)

Can you see if Recuva will restore a previous version (unlikely but worth a shot).

Irish Stones

SmaRkieS wrote: »

Might be accessible but only few lines will be displayed, is it because you unplug the USB drive while it is accessing the file?

There might be a quick save file in your PC.

After closing the Word file unwittingly, open up a new MS Word document again. Go to File > Info > Manage Versions. Click on the little dropdown and select Recover Unsaved Documents.

I can't remember me unplugging the pendrive during the access to the file. I always follow the procedure.

I did what you said, it doesn't see any file to be recovered, and if I force the file into the box it says the file is corrupt.
Forgot to say that I'm using Win10, with Office 2010. Actually I wanted to add this bit of info in my post but it wouldn't let me edit it!

SmaRkieS

hmmmmm While your typing that document, is it save from the PC first before copy to USB drive?

try this from the same computer you use/encode that document.

1. On the File menu, click Recent.
2. Click Recover Unsaved Documents.
3. If you find the Word document that you are looking for, double-click it to open it.
4. Save it immediately.

or

b. Click the File menu, and then click Open.
c. Locate the folder in which you last saved the missing file.
d. In the Files of type list (All Word documents), click All Files. The backup file usually has the name "Backup of" followed by the name of the missing file.
e. Click the backup file, and then click Open.

or

Use easeus.com/datarecoverywizard/free-data-recovery-software.htm

Irish Stones

Unfortunately none of the above tips worked for me...
There are no "unsaved documents" in the Recent Tab.
There's no backup files of anything in the folder I'm looking for.
I had already tried easeus etc, one of my first attempt.

Irish Stones

verycool wrote: »

What's the error message you see when trying to open it?

What online tutorial did you try (link?)

Can you see if Recuva will restore a previous version (unlikely but worth a shot).

I thought I had replied this post before, my reply has disappeared.
Anyway, Recuva says that the file is unrecoverable because it's been, apparently, overwritten!

aoh

Irish Stones wrote: »

I thought I had replied this post before, my reply has disappeared.
Anyway, Recuva says that the file is unrecoverable because it's been, apparently, overwritten!

Try opening it in Notepad. There'll be a lot of garbage at the top but hopefully you'll see the actual text further down.

Irish Stones

aoh wrote: »

Try opening it in Notepad. There'll be a lot of garbage at the top but hopefully you'll see the actual text further down.

Amazing!!!! It worked!!!
How can I give you 10 thanks? :D

aoh

Irish Stones wrote: »

Amazing!!!! It worked!!!
How can I give you 10 thanks? :D

No worries. Have done it plenty of times myself!

Jayd0g

aoh wrote: »

Try opening it in Notepad. There'll be a lot of garbage at the top but hopefully you'll see the actual text further down.

Noted for future use!