'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
    2013-03-06T20:50:52+00:00

    I have tried this procedure on a problem I keep having but it did not fix it. When I am on my email and attach a Word file to be sent through email I get the same error. When I attach an Excel document there is no problem. Word is NOT open when I attach the file to the email but, I get the error anyway.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-07T10:13:37+00:00

    Please add me to the list of users with this issue !

     I have checked the registry and it appears okay.

    I dont log into my pc with any usersname - it is set up as HP by default. 

    It does have Administrator permissions though.

     What I have noticed is that if I browse to the relevant Windows folder, I dont see the Temporary Internet Files folder  ( I do see other folders in there).

    I have ensured 'hidden' folders are being displayed.

      However, if I try and create it , it says it already exists.  So maybe it is a permissions issue ?

    The folder I am browsing to is

    C:\Users\HP\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-10T05:32:41+00:00

    Doug or other knowledgeable Office guru,

    Please come back!

    I have the same file issue.

    It sometimes shows up when working with BlackBoard for online college work.

    Registery is good as described. (not the solution)

    Permissions for this folder for user seem good. (not the solution)

    Did the Office repair. (not the solution)

    Office 2007 Professional on Windows 7

    Please help as work/hours have been lost/wasted.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-04-04T22:44:28+00:00

    I have exactly the same issue. Temp internet files are as all the instructions say they should be. My registry is worded exactly as the guidelines say they should be. I have repaired office. Whenever I open a word dociment from the web it gives me this error and afterwards I cannot save anything in Office. If I log on as another user everythig works fine but I cannot see anyhting dfferent in any of the folders or registries mentioned in the "fixes" for this. Please help. I am unable to do my job without Office.

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