'Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable.' What is the simplest way to resolve this please!

Anonymous

When I open Word I get this message every time: 'Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable.' Word then crashes very often without autosaving.

I've found many people asking this question but I utterly do not understand the answers people have given them! Is there a simple way to resolve this - I know literally nothing about computers! Please help with the easiest solution possible.

Many thanks!

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Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K MVP Volunteer Moderator

When I open Word I get this message every time: 'Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable.' Word then crashes very often without autosaving.

I've found many people asking this question but I utterly do not understand the answers people have given them! Is there a simple way to resolve this - I know literally nothing about computers! Please help with the easiest solution possible.

Many thanks!

The error message "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable". Can be caused by incorrect registry values in the key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders.

Click Start and in the start search field, type

Regedit

and press enter.

In the registry editor, browse to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders

On the right hand pane, check the value data for Cache.

It has to be %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files.

If it is different, double click on Cache and type:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

under value data and click ok. Close the registry and restart the computer and check if it works.

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80 additional answers

Anonymous

2013-04-29T23:51:02+00:00

I actually use the preview pane - it doesn't make sense that I should have to disable a basic piece of Windows functionality that I've used without issue for years, for an error that started a week ago.
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Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2013-04-27T06:03:05+00:00

Disable the File Preview facility in Windows Explorer and in the File Open dialog by clicking on the Hide Preview Pane icon to the left of the Help Question Mark.
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Anonymous

2013-04-26T17:36:31+00:00

Hello,

I have tried this solution and my registry file was correct.

I followed another solution to 'repair' Office.

I have run virus scans (another suggestion) and have no viruses

This appears:

1. If I have 'file preview' on in Explorer and click on a word doc

2. I open a word doc

For me, this has nothing to do with uploading a resume or being on a job site; however, I did register for Careerbuilders recently. However, I'm not typically even online when I open a document.

When this error comes up, the WINWORD.EXE service takes up HALF of my RAM and I have 8 gb of RAM. My Norton service alerts me to this every time.

Can someone provide a solution for this issue? Thanks!
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Anonymous

2013-04-24T17:44:54+00:00
1. Go to Libraries
2. Click drop-down arrow on "Organise" top pane
3. Choose "Folder and search options"
4. This will open up "Folder Options" pane with 3 tabs; General, View, Search
5. Click on "View" tab
6. Select "Reset Folders"
7. Restore defaults in all 3 tabs '
8. Restart computer
I hope this will help, because it certainly helped me to lauch word application without that annoying message.
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