Thread: Occasional glitches with Microsoft Word XP

Before suggesting, I cannot upgrade to 2003 because I don't have it, and 2007 will not work at all on my computer.

Here's the problem:



I make regular backups so i was able to replace the lost stuff, but I was wondering what was going on, and why about a quarter of a page turned into random symbols? It's not the font, I'm sure of that. If it helps, I store it on a memory stick.

Few possibilities:
1.) Your file is corrupted
2.) The file is made by some other software, but I think this is unlikely, since most office programs can correctly implement the .doc format.
3.) There are some code (macros) running in the background.

Well.. I guess the easiest is, get a fresh version of the file, and open it in someone else's computer that you know is reasonably clean of viruses or anything like that. If the problem persists, either your file is corrupted at the source (where you originally get the file from), or your memory stick is corrupted.

To see if your memory stick is the culprit, try getting a fresh copy of the file again, and send it to another person's computer via email. Also, try scanning the memory stick for errors (right click on memory stick -> Properties -> Tools -> Check Now). Make sure you close all files on that memory stick before running the scan.

If you don't mind, you can try sending me the (fresh) file via email or whatever, I'm using Office 2003. I'll pm you my email if you don't mind me looking at it.

When I say a fresh version of the file, means you get it from the source again (if you get it off the web, download it, or better send the link), or if you typed it yourself, off your hdd. Not off your memory stick.

Open Office.
Give it a shot.

I store it on a memory stick

That could be your problem, save the same file on two type of medias, disc/cd whatever. and on the memory stick..
when you load from the memory stick if its corrupted, try loading the backup copy, ifs its corrupted the same, its the problem with office, if not, its problem with your stick..

Btw, if you have japanese/chinese whatever characters and your word/system is not properly configured that is what happens

Originally Posted by ggctuk

Before suggesting, I cannot upgrade to 2003 because I don't have it, and 2007 will not work at all on my computer.

Here's the problem:



I make regular backups so i was able to replace the lost stuff, but I was wondering what was going on, and why about a quarter of a page turned into random symbols? It's not the font, I'm sure of that. If it helps, I store it on a memory stick.

Was the backup you restored from your memory stick? Or are these files that have all been having issues with strange characters ones that you opened/copied from your memory stick?

You have to watch what you do with your memory sticks, they are like those old floppy drives, extreme temperatures can cause damage as well as a list of other things (Bad sectors, etc).

I'm also curious but if you go to "Print Layout", do things look normal?

No idea. For some strange reason the thing changed back to what it was meant to look like afterwards.