How do you stop word falsely claiming a document is already in use?

[jimb1]

When I open a document, or an attachment to an email, for the second
time (after correctly closing the document the first time) I get the
message that file name is already in use by xxx (the xxx name is my
name) and do I want to make a copy. I am aware of another person that
has the same problem but I do not understand why it thinks the word
document is already open when its not. Any help would be appreciated.
Both PC's are standalone machines.

 

[LFM]

When I open a document, or an attachment to an email, for the second
time (after correctly closing the document the first time) I get the
message that file name is already in use by xxx (the xxx name is my
name) and do I want to make a copy. I am aware of another person that
has the same problem but I do not understand why it thinks the word
document is already open when its not. Any help would be appreciated.
Both PC's are standalone machines.

Does this happen after you have closed Word - the application, or only
when you close the document?

If the application is closed, then look at your task manager to see if
the WORD process is still running. If it is, then when you are
closing the file, Word is not closing properly al the way, which is
hanging the process and causing your email client to think you still
have the file open.