"The file cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents."

Anonymous
2009-12-06T19:30:50+00:00

I've been using Word 2007 for months now with no problem, and suddenly when I try to open a .docx file, it says "The file cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents."

I searched for the same error and tried whatever I found. I downloaded the service packs to see if that would work and it didn't. I tried opening the files in "open and repair," but it won't select "open and repair." When I select it, it gives me the blue loading circle in place of the usual mouse arrow, but then Office Word 2007 becomes non responsive.

I'm using Vista with the original install of Microsoft Office Word 2007, if that's relevant.

I'd be willing to try just about anything. These files include my college application essays and scholarship applications that are due this week. If anyone would like to help me overcome Murphy's Law, I'd sincerely appreciate it.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2011-06-01T10:37:39+00:00

I had the same issue and I found one possible solution: Gmail. I sent the corrupted file to my Gmail account and opened the attachment using Gmail's own viewer. First it reported "Sorry, we are unable to generate a view of the document at this time. Alternatively, you can view the plain HTML (automatically redirecting)." When you select the HTML version the file opens.

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Anonymous
2009-12-06T23:35:30+00:00

There are a number of Word recovery / repair third party tool listed on google, some of which are try before you pay

I dont suppose you had configured Word to keep a backup copy?

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-23T04:35:28+00:00

    this really help me. Magic tip. thanks bro.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-08-13T22:45:59+00:00

    I had the problem where i was compiling scanned documents into Microsoft word. Any time I tried I saved as I was going along, sometimes it was fine and sometimes I got this message "There is insufficient memory or disk space. Word cannot display the requested font". After a while, when I tried to save it crashed by document and would not open it. Instead it gave me this message "The file "abcd".docx cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents. When I clicked on details the message I kept getting was "The name in the end tag of the element must match the element type in the start tag".

    I tried for hours attempting the various recommendations of Microsoft easy fix, downloading the service pack for office, even trying to fix the xml document myself but nothing worked. THEN I did the following:-

    1. Click start menu
    2. Go to computer
    3. Click "Organize"
    4. Go to "Folder and Search Options"
    5. Select the "View" tab
    6. Scroll down to "Hidden files and folders" and select "Show hidden, files, folders and drives"
    7. Scroll down further and check to see if "Hide extensions for known file types" is currently selected. If so, click to uncheck it. If it is not currently selected, leave it alone.
    8. Just below that, uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)". When you do, a warning will pop up saying "You have chosen to display protected operating system files (files labed System and Hidden) in Windows Explorer. These files are required to start and run Windows. Deleting or editing them can make your computer inoperable. Are you sure you want to display these files?" Select "Yes".
    9. Select "Apply" then "Ok".
    10. Go to the folder where you last saved the document. You should now see some additional files that look transparent. Look for one that ends in .tmp. The name of the file might look something like this ~WRL5401.tmp. Right click on it and Open with "Microsoft Word". You should be able to get the document open that way.
    11. As soon as I got my document opened this way, I DID NOT CLICK ON SAVE. Instead I adjusted some formatting issues of the document then went into the File tab and selected Save As. I put the name of the document BUT I CHANGED THE FILE TYPE TO PDF instead of Word Document or any such format. Later I used an online software and changed back my pdf to word to edit it.
    12. NB It is IMPORTANT to go back and HIDE PROTECTED OPERATING SYSTEM FILES and hidden files and folders when you are finished.

    Hope this helps!Leah

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