"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
    2017-05-08T19:25:32+00:00

    I found these steps worked:

    • get the file on your PC if it isn't already
    • use Gmail to send the document as an attachment to yourself
    • click the attachment so it opens in the Google Docs previewer
    • click 'Open With Google Docs'
    • the document should open and be viewable
    • click File -> Download As -> Microsoft Word (.docx)
    • you will probably find the downloaded file is a different size than the original file
    • now use Microsoft Word to open the document you just downloaded

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-03-24T09:07:53+00:00

    I have the same problem now. A word document(97-2003) form which I filled with 2010 suddenly refused to open.

    Firstly it was windows cannot start mswrd623.wpc error. I deleted the converter through regedit. It still won't open. Now it says 'file cannot open because there are problems with the content'.

    I have tried gmail fix and a few other online suggestions but it won't work. Open office did not work either.

    Please any suggestions as to how I can recover my folder and reopen my doc?

    I have a very important grant application which has gone through several edits.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-08T17:24:59+00:00

    Man, I have the exact same problem, and am desperate. I look at this Gmail solution, but when I opened it HTML i only got strange characters.

    Do you have any other idea?, it would really save my neck!, Thanks

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