MS Word Freezes my computer when saving a document

[MikeH]

I have recntly purchased an apple Macbook intel core Duo notebook
running Tiger and MS office for mac version 2004 for students. both
have been fully updated off of the web.
When I load a word doc file off of my USB stick all's well until I try
to then save a file; when quite often, the coloured circle appears
forever, when word on the tool bay is touched it indicates that " word
is not responding"
when I try to force quit this some times works BUT then finder will not
work and will not reset, so the only way to regain control of the
computer is to hold down the "on/off key" and loose all of the data.
Though I am able to minimise the problem by having auto save no every
few minutes.

I use a USB stick to use the documents at college on Microsoft operated
computers.

Regards.

Mike H.

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Mike -

What the folks who "push" those products don't put in big enough print - if
at all - is that in today's technology removable *storage* devices should be
used only for the purposes of storing and transporting data.

IOW -
DO NOT save directly to a USB Drive
DO NOT open files directly from a USB Drive

You've now learned from experience Why.

The same applies to floppy disks, CDs, etc. Always copy to/from your hard
drive. Work with that copy, then copy back to the removable media as
necessary using a Finder window.

BTW - Just to clarify one other crucial point in your post - There is no
"AutoSave" in Word or any other Mac Office program. The feature is "Save
AutoRecovery Data" which is a whole different ball of wax.

 

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

The same applies to floppy disks, CDs, etc. Always copy to/from your hard
drive. Work with that copy, then copy back to the removable media as
necessary using a Finder window.

....and network drives (people do it all the time here and they have
similar problems all the time :-> )


Corentin

 

[MikeH]

CyberTaz.
Now remember I've just got a Mac, because its meant to "crash less".
How do I copy back to the USB stick by using the "finder window" or is
the "finder menu" the normal window I see when I start and operate the
computer?
If so I assume I just drag the final file to the USB stick upon
completion of my works.
Mike.

 

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

CyberTaz.
Now remember I've just got a Mac, because its meant to "crash less".

That's a different issue IMVHO. Flash drives (and network drives) are
succeptibles to glitches and loss of connection. That's true for a Mac
or a PC.

How do I copy back to the USB stick by using the "finder window" or is
the "finder menu" the normal window I see when I start and operate the
computer?

Save the file wherever you want and drag it to your flash drive from
there to make a copy. Easy.

If so I assume I just drag the final file to the USB stick upon
completion of my works.
Mike.

Absolutely,

Corentin

 

[CyberTaz]

As Corentin has already indicated, the issue has nothing to do with Mac vs.
PC, but is an issue of removable media & how the programs work regardless of
OS. In fact - as much as I use my USB sticks - I'd support public flogging
of the individuals responsible for calling USB Flash RAM devices "drives" in
the first place ... But, for the time being, I won't climb any higher on
that soapbox.

Also - not having realized you're new to the Mac environs - but yes, Finder
windows are those such as you describe. One typically open on the Desktop
when the Mac Stars up. They're very similar in operation to the Window
Explorer on the PC for file maintenance operations and navigation.

The dragging option will work just fine, but many folks dislike the fact
that dragging defaults to 'copying' which leaves a copy behind at the source
as well as in the target location. To *move* the file from one device to
another, hold down the Command key while dragging the file & make sure to
release the mouse button before letting up on the key. That helps avoid
winding up with myriad copies littering both devices - I'm not certain I can
prove this, but my personal philosophy is that it is a more stable practice
than overwriting a file if you want to retain the same name.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Phillip Jones]

One reason for not working directly off the memory stick especially if
its small, it that you need some room for the files to work in sort of
like a scratch disk as you will. unless it a big device there is usually
no wiggle room. I have been using until recently a 512K SA Disk Memory
Stick. IF you had a very big file by the time Word attempted to write a
work-file in case of Crashes There would be no room.
I just bought another stick a 2GB from SimpleTech. OfficeMax was running
a sell for $19.95

I've found that on my SAN-Disk I could plug into my Keyboard and have a
good connection. When I do that to the SimpleTech Model it comes up with
warning That there is not enough power. So I have to plug into my
external Hard Drive which has a powered USP Hub built in and it will
work there fine. So there is another problem you have to watch out for.

As Corentin has already indicated, the issue has nothing to do with Mac vs.
PC, but is an issue of removable media & how the programs work regardless of
OS. In fact - as much as I use my USB sticks - I'd support public flogging
of the individuals responsible for calling USB Flash RAM devices "drives" in
the first place ... But, for the time being, I won't climb any higher on
that soapbox.

Also - not having realized you're new to the Mac environs - but yes, Finder
windows are those such as you describe. One typically open on the Desktop
when the Mac Stars up. They're very similar in operation to the Window
Explorer on the PC for file maintenance operations and navigation.

The dragging option will work just fine, but many folks dislike the fact
that dragging defaults to 'copying' which leaves a copy behind at the source
as well as in the target location. To *move* the file from one device to
another, hold down the Command key while dragging the file & make sure to
release the mouse button before letting up on the key. That helps avoid
winding up with myriad copies littering both devices - I'm not certain I can
prove this, but my personal philosophy is that it is a more stable practice
than overwriting a file if you want to retain the same name.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip M. Jones, CET |LIFE MEMBER: VPEA ETA-I, NESDA, ISCET, Sterling
616 Liberty Street |Who's Who. PHONE:276-632-5045, FAX:276-632-0868
Martinsville Va 24112 |[email protected], ICQ11269732, AIM pjonescet
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Harris/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Jones/default.htm>

<http://www.vpea.org>

 

[Clive Huggan]

As Corentin has already indicated, the issue has nothing to do with Mac vs.
PC, but is an issue of removable media & how the programs work regardless of
OS. In fact - as much as I use my USB sticks - I'd support public flogging
of the individuals responsible for calling USB Flash RAM devices "drives" in
the first place ... But, for the time being, I won't climb any higher on
that soapbox.

Also - not having realized you're new to the Mac environs - but yes, Finder
windows are those such as you describe. One typically open on the Desktop
when the Mac Stars up. They're very similar in operation to the Window
Explorer on the PC for file maintenance operations and navigation.

The dragging option will work just fine, but many folks dislike the fact
that dragging defaults to 'copying' which leaves a copy behind at the source
as well as in the target location. To *move* the file from one device to
another, hold down the Command key while dragging the file & make sure to
release the mouse button before letting up on the key. That helps avoid
winding up with myriad copies littering both devices - I'm not certain I can
prove this, but my personal philosophy is that it is a more stable practice
than overwriting a file if you want to retain the same name.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

Dear people,

A bit related to the situation Mike describes:

I've just been buying a few memory sticks [Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ] to make
best use of Martian LifeBoat, which was released last week. You can
nominate which folders (or files) on your hard drive will be checked by the
nominated external device (in my case, named memory sticks) and they will be
incrementally backed up if there have been any changes.

Martian LifeBoat is excellent for during-the-day backups. If I'm working on
project x, I grab the memory stick I've labelled Project X, shove it in the
USB socket, and it updates (and the device is unmounted from the "OK" button
in the application).

[I don't have any commercial connection with Martian LifeBoat -- wish I
did.]

Cheers,

Clive Huggan
Canberra, Australia
(My time zone is 5-11 hours different from the US and Europe, so my
follow-on responses to those regions can be delayed)
============================================================

 

[CyberTaz]

[Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ]

Not at all - in fact, you get a Gold Star ;-)

I have no problem with the devices - love 'em, in fact. I just cringe when I
see them labeled as "Drives". I think the term deceives many people and
contributes to the misconception that they can be used as a HD, resulting in
the type of problems Mike encountered and the loss of data.

Thanks for the tip about Martian LifeBoat... I've heard of it but never used
it. I primarily use mine to carry exercise files for the classes I teach,
sample files and transport - nothing that can't be readily replaced

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Phillip Jones]

Shucks we have to get decent Programs now from Mars (Martian Lifeboat) ;-)

Bet it takes a long time to get delivery ;-)

As Corentin has already indicated, the issue has nothing to do with Mac vs.
PC, but is an issue of removable media & how the programs work regardless of
OS. In fact - as much as I use my USB sticks - I'd support public flogging
of the individuals responsible for calling USB Flash RAM devices "drives" in
the first place ... But, for the time being, I won't climb any higher on
that soapbox.

Also - not having realized you're new to the Mac environs - but yes, Finder
windows are those such as you describe. One typically open on the Desktop
when the Mac Stars up. They're very similar in operation to the Window
Explorer on the PC for file maintenance operations and navigation.

The dragging option will work just fine, but many folks dislike the fact
that dragging defaults to 'copying' which leaves a copy behind at the source
as well as in the target location. To *move* the file from one device to
another, hold down the Command key while dragging the file & make sure to
release the mouse button before letting up on the key. That helps avoid
winding up with myriad copies littering both devices - I'm not certain I can
prove this, but my personal philosophy is that it is a more stable practice
than overwriting a file if you want to retain the same name.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

Dear people,

A bit related to the situation Mike describes:

I've just been buying a few memory sticks [Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ] to make
best use of Martian LifeBoat, which was released last week. You can
nominate which folders (or files) on your hard drive will be checked by the
nominated external device (in my case, named memory sticks) and they will be
incrementally backed up if there have been any changes.

Martian LifeBoat is excellent for during-the-day backups. If I'm working on
project x, I grab the memory stick I've labelled Project X, shove it in the
USB socket, and it updates (and the device is unmounted from the "OK" button
in the application).

[I don't have any commercial connection with Martian LifeBoat -- wish I
did.]

Cheers,

Clive Huggan
Canberra, Australia
(My time zone is 5-11 hours different from the US and Europe, so my
follow-on responses to those regions can be delayed)
============================================================

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip M. Jones, CET |LIFE MEMBER: VPEA ETA-I, NESDA, ISCET, Sterling
616 Liberty Street |Who's Who. PHONE:276-632-5045, FAX:276-632-0868
Martinsville Va 24112 |[email protected], ICQ11269732, AIM pjonescet
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it's "fixed", don't "break it"!

mailto[email protected]

<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/90th_Birthday/index.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Fulcher/default.html>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Harris/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Jones/default.htm>

<http://www.vpea.org>

 

[Phillip Jones]

Dang! another bites the dust it only works on OSX.4 and above. Not a Bad
price though.

[Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ]

Not at all - in fact, you get a Gold Star ;-)

I have no problem with the devices - love 'em, in fact. I just cringe when I
see them labeled as "Drives". I think the term deceives many people and
contributes to the misconception that they can be used as a HD, resulting in
the type of problems Mike encountered and the loss of data.

Thanks for the tip about Martian LifeBoat... I've heard of it but never used
it. I primarily use mine to carry exercise files for the classes I teach,
sample files and transport - nothing that can't be readily replaced

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip M. Jones, CET |LIFE MEMBER: VPEA ETA-I, NESDA, ISCET, Sterling
616 Liberty Street |Who's Who. PHONE:276-632-5045, FAX:276-632-0868
Martinsville Va 24112 |[email protected], ICQ11269732, AIM pjonescet
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it's "fixed", don't "break it"!

mailto[email protected]

<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/90th_Birthday/index.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Fulcher/default.html>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Harris/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Jones/default.htm>

<http://www.vpea.org>

 

[Clive Huggan]

On 12/12/06 10:21 PM, in article
C1A3FACF.1B064%[email protected], "CyberTaz"

I primarily use mine to carry exercise files for the classes I teach,
sample files and transport - nothing that can't be readily replaced

<snip>

Yes, that's a good point that I'm at risk of forgetting to mention when I
write it up for my Mac User Group: they should not be used to permanently
replace regular backup media, because they can be volatile. The main
advantage is the total convenience of the way the application selectively
backs up nominated folders/files that's so attractive for "during-the-day"
backing up to memory sticks.

CH
===

 

[MikeH]

Thanks all.

I will try loading the USB stick on to my computer, carry out my works,
and then transfer back to my USB stick for use on the MS computer.

Mike H.

P.S.

On a slightly different angle if I get another hard drive for the Mac
would I still have this problem, e..g having to load the file on the
note books HD work upon it and then save to the other hard drive?

Then which is best a USB of firewire HD connection??

Dang! another bites the dust it only works on OSX.4 and above. Not a Bad
price though.

[Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ]

Not at all - in fact, you get a Gold Star ;-)

I have no problem with the devices - love 'em, in fact. I just cringe when I
see them labeled as "Drives". I think the term deceives many people and
contributes to the misconception that they can be used as a HD, resulting in
the type of problems Mike encountered and the loss of data.

Thanks for the tip about Martian LifeBoat... I've heard of it but never used
it. I primarily use mine to carry exercise files for the classes I teach,
sample files and transport - nothing that can't be readily replaced

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip M. Jones, CET |LIFE MEMBER: VPEA ETA-I, NESDA, ISCET, Sterling
616 Liberty Street |Who's Who. PHONE:276-632-5045, FAX:276-632-0868
Martinsville Va 24112 |[email protected], ICQ11269732, AIM pjonescet
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it's "fixed", don't "break it"!

mailto[email protected]

<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/90th_Birthday/index.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Fulcher/default.html>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Harris/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Jones/default.htm>

<http://www.vpea.org>

 

[CyberTaz]

See the insertions below:

Thanks all.

I will try loading the USB stick on to my computer, carry out my works,
and then transfer back to my USB stick for use on the MS computer.

.... and do the same when you get to the PC

Mike H.

P.S.

On a slightly different angle if I get another hard drive for the Mac
would I still have this problem, e..g having to load the file on the
note books HD work upon it and then save to the other hard drive?

Negative - as long as it's a HD you're OK. It's just the *removable media*
that presents the problem. As Clive & Phillip point out, though, even the
removable doesn't present a *definite* threat depending on A) its capacity
and B) the program being used... I just agree more with Corentin re the
stability & fragility. All it takes is a 'bump' while the device is inserted
or removal at the wrong time & you can very likely wind up with a nanotechie
ornament for your Xmas tree

Then which is best a USB of firewire HD connection??

The jury is still out as to which will win the fight, but I lean more toward
FW - it's faster, less prone to connection glitches & can be used as a boot
drive. FYI - there are drives that include both FW & USB capability. If
you're technically oriented you might also want to consider getting the
drive as an internal and a separate housing for it.
--
Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

Dang! another bites the dust it only works on OSX.4 and above. Not a Bad
price though.

[Bob, do I get a minor flogging,
like I did in Latin class now and again, if I use that term? ;-) ]

Not at all - in fact, you get a Gold Star ;-)

I have no problem with the devices - love 'em, in fact. I just cringe
when I
see them labeled as "Drives". I think the term deceives many people and
contributes to the misconception that they can be used as a HD,
resulting in
the type of problems Mike encountered and the loss of data.

Thanks for the tip about Martian LifeBoat... I've heard of it but never
used
it. I primarily use mine to carry exercise files for the classes I
teach,
sample files and transport - nothing that can't be readily replaced

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip M. Jones, CET |LIFE MEMBER: VPEA ETA-I, NESDA, ISCET, Sterling
616 Liberty Street |Who's Who. PHONE:276-632-5045, FAX:276-632-0868
Martinsville Va 24112 |[email protected], ICQ11269732, AIM pjonescet
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it's "fixed", don't "break it"!

mailto[email protected]

<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/90th_Birthday/index.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Fulcher/default.html>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Harris/default.htm>
<http://www.kimbanet.com/~pjones/Jones/default.htm>

<http://www.vpea.org>

 

[Clive Huggan]

On 13/12/06 8:41 AM, in article #[email protected],
"CyberTaz" <typegeneraltaz1ATcomcastdotnet> wrote:

I just agree more with Corentin re the
stability & fragility. All it takes is a 'bump' while the device is inserted
or removal at the wrong time & you can very likely wind up with a nanotechie
ornament for your Xmas tree

<snip>

Just for the record, Bob, that's my view entirely. My apologies if my
comments have led to any inference otherwise. Thank you for making that
clear ;-)

Clive
=====