How do I open a file in Microsoft Word that is called ~$(filename) in my documents?

Question

I NEED this file. I think it is an auto save of a HUGE word document that I lost when my cat jumped on the keyboard and logged me out. Whenever I open the file it promts mme with some sort of file conversion thing. No matter what I chose, it appears as a bunch of rectangles and an occasional number... PLEASE HELP

That didn't work (the renaming)....

Answer 1

Files preceded by a ~ are temporary files and are usually deleted at shutdown.

You can try right-clicking on it to see if you get any options, like "open with" -- but I doubt it. I've always deleted any hangovers.

You might want to set your Word to make automatic backups. Go to Tools, Options, Save -- click in "always create a backup copy." Every file will have a backup copy preceded by "backup." From time to time, when you "refresh," they will all appear at the top of the list and are easily deleted if that is your wish.

On the same Save tab you can also set a time for "autorecovery." This has helped me out a couple of times.

Answer 2

I have been there :(

I don't think you can do anything there. But if it is worth that much try opening it with notepad (right click the file > open with).
Make it a habit to save as often as you can.

If you haven't add any new files to the drive, it might worth trying to restore your last saved file, try undelete-plus.com.

Answer 3

that is a hidden file youre trying to view... it has something to do with a document already open. its not meant to be open by Word

Answer 4

First rename the file to something like "ABCD.Doc" and then open it.