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How to Set Up Word AutoRecover

Want to make sure you won’t lose a document in a Word crash? Check your settings and familiarize yourself with Word’s recovery process.

Microsoft Word 2007 has an automatic recovery feature that utilizes a temporary recovery copy of the document that’s open. This recovery file is updated by default every 10 minutes. It is a good idea to look into the Word settings behind this and verify that the settings are set the way you want them. Microsoft Word 2007 seems highly prone to crashes; having these settings correct will minimize grief in the event of failure.

Simple Steps to Check:

1. With Word 2007 open, click the Office button, then click the Word Settings button on the bottom of the pane.

2. Click Save on the left sidebar to open the Save settings.

3. Make sure the checkbox for Save AutoRecover Information is checked.

4. Specify the time interval you want Word to update the recovery file. I set mine to 1 minute to minimize data loss in the event of a crash.

5. Note where Word is storing your Recovery files. By default it’s a hidden folder such as C:\Users\Username\AppData\Microsoft\Word.

How to Recover a Lost Word Document

The next time Word opens after a crash it will open a Recovery pane with your file displayed. Click the file link to open it.

If the recovery pane is not open –and your last saved version of the file is not current, navigate to the folder Word stores recovery files (the same location you specified in Word Options>Save>AutoRecover option) and open it from there. This folder may be a hidden folder; set your folder options to display hidden folders to make it visible.

After the recovery file is open, save it often in case it crashes again. Remember, frequent saves are still the best way to ward off data loss.