When i save a file in MS Word why is another smaller file is created along with it?

Question

A sample file that Word automatically creates when I save a file: ~$nf call summary Q207.doc

Answer 1

Thats the temporary filie -- its used while you're working in Word but should be automatically deleted when you close Word.

Answer 2

I agree with the others. One thing to add: If this temporary file does not go away after you close and Exit MS Word, then it's likely that your computer shut down improperly while a Word document was open. Word should automatically ask you if you should recover the file when you start it, and give you the option to delete the temporary file. If that doesn't happen, it's okay to delete the temporary file as long as you're sure you have the latest-and-greatest version in another file.

Answer 3

Word makes back-ups of files so if something goes wrong all is not lost. If the file icon looks faded compared to the regular one, it's a hidden file and that's probably what it is.