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

Anonymous
2012-01-11T10:55:22+00:00

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!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2012-01-11T20:35:19+00:00

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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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-07T17:14:30+00:00

    Well...I found icon and was able to hide the preview pane and I don't get error message anymore but file still does not attach to email :( . I also checked Cache and it is exactly as Doug said before. I went ahead and retyped it anyway just in case but I still cannot attach Word or PDF documents to email. Screen says "adding attachment" but nothing happens...I don't know what else to do. I do appreciate your explanation James and your instructions Doug.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-04-07T19:11:07+00:00

    I get the error but it isn't just attaching email it is opening word documents from the web and saving them as well. I just can't do it. I am currently attempting setting all IE settings to default before reinstalling office. I just don't know what to do nothing suggested works.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-04-08T15:11:43+00:00

    This worked very well! Is there a way to keep the preview "off" so you don't have to do it everytime?

    Thanks so much.

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  4. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2013-04-08T22:56:02+00:00

    This worked very well! Is there a way to keep the preview "off" so you don't have to do it everytime?

    Thanks so much.

    Start Windows Explorer and turn it off in it.

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