"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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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?

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

55 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-11-11T14:38:21+00:00

    YOU ARE A LEDGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THANKYOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!! YOU SAVED MY LIFE WITH THIS!! XXX

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-11-11T12:55:43+00:00

    This is good for Outlook, Not Word

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-08-27T11:32:54+00:00

    I have my document on my netbook running Windows 7 Starter, and it opens fine. My netbook is networked with my old pc running Windows Vista basic and Office 2007. I can open my word doc on the netbook, but no longer open it on the pc. I suspect that this has something to do with charts I have imported from excel.

    The message I get is:

    The file <filename> cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents.

    When I ask for more details it tells me it can't supply any details.

    Microsoft supports indicates that this could be a problem to do with excel charts having more than 4 columns, is not recoverable, and offers no help whatsoever.

    FYI all my back up files suffer the same problem and I don't want to go back to the previous draft as I did loads of work on this file yesterday and don't want to loose it! This is my Master's dissertation!!!

    If the file is corrupt why does it open on my netbook OK?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments