Word 2003 creates hidden shadow files in MS DOS format

[Casey Fuller]

On August 11, 2009, my Microsoft Word 2003 application began behaving
differently. Now, every time I open a word document a hidden file shadow copy
is being created in MS Dos format. Here is an example of one of the hidden
file names:
~$py of WORK EXPERIENCE
Can anyone tell me why this is happening? Is it a good thing, or a bad
thing? This happened once before, about six years ago on a different
computer. I had to erase the hard drive and install a clean copy of XP
Professional and Word to make it quit.

 

[Jay Freedman]

On August 11, 2009, my Microsoft Word 2003 application began behaving
differently. Now, every time I open a word document a hidden file shadow copy
is being created in MS Dos format. Here is an example of one of the hidden
file names:
~$py of WORK EXPERIENCE
Can anyone tell me why this is happening? Is it a good thing, or a bad
thing? This happened once before, about six years ago on a different
computer. I had to erase the hard drive and install a clean copy of XP
Professional and Word to make it quit.

You're getting all exercised over nothing. Those are temporary files
that Word creates in the normal course of operation
(http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=211632). Specifically, it's an
"owner file" that tells Word the document is in use and can't be
opened by another user.

Possibly you're seeing the files now only because something has turned
on the display of hidden files on your PC.

The temporary files should be automatically removed when you close the
document. If that doesn't happen, see
http://www.gmayor.com/what_to_do_when_word_crashes.htm for
instructions.

 

[Casey Fuller]

Thanks Jay. Your answer. "You are getting all exercised over nothing," is
exactly why I posted the question. You answer will prevent me from "getting
exercised."
Thank you very much for explaining this behavior of Word so well.