Dec 14, 2020 • Filed to: Recover & Repair Files • Proven solutions
The following error message "The file is corrupted and cannot be opened" occurs in new Microsoft Word versions when you try to open a document that has been created in older versions like 2007 or 2003. This error message usually appears after an upgrade. You might get frustrated, being unable to access an important document. However, you shouldn't worry too much about it because we will show you some ways to repair corrupted Word files.
First, we are going to look at two Word file repair methods that you could apply right away. One method involves changing Word options, and the other one involves changing system settings. If none of the two methods are effective, then we have prepared a Word Repair Tool tutorial using a third-party software application. Hopefully, you'll learn how to fix document and ultimately recover your presumptuously lost data.
Update "Trust Center" Settings: New Word versions have a stricter security policy on copied or downloaded files. Sometimes you are unable to open a Word file because of the "Enabled Protected View" settings. What you need to do is change the policy. Here's how:
If everything went ok, you should now be able to open the document without being prevented to do so.
Change "Component Security" Settings: Sometimes your document is prevented from opening by the Windows security level, and in that case, you need to change "Component Security" settings to default. Here's how you can change it:
It's time to check the results of this Word file repairing method. Open the document again and see if it works. If you are still displayed the same error message, please go to Part 3 where we'll talk about a Word Repair Tool that will help you repair corrupted Word files.
Don't worry if every method you have tried so far failed to repair your corrupted Word file. An alternative solution that is usually a quite effective Word file repair method is using a professional Word Repair Tool. I suggest using a third-party software application like Stellar Phoenix Word Repair. This program can safely help you recover files that have been corrupted while preserving the document the way it used to be in terms of formatting, and layout. You don't need to worry about compatibility. It can be used to recover documents created in Word 2000 up to 2013. You will love the fact that the support for this app is so well documented.
Stellar Phoenix Word Repair is very efficient in recovering corrupted documents, featuring three different recovery modes: "Simple Recovery", "Raw Recovery" and "Advanced Recovery". At least one of these three methods should be able to ultimately fix your document. The interface can almost be used by a 2nd grader with ease. When you are launching the program, you get a search window that allows you to locate your files easily. After a file has been scanned you can preview it from a different perspective. You have to try this Word file repair software and you'll convince yourself of its value.
Step 1 The software is launching in the dashboard area and the initial window is being displayed; you need to locate your file. Set the destination drive from the drop-down menu, click the "Find File(s)" button and wait until the search process is completed;
Step 2 Found documents are revealed in the results table. Select the files you want to recover and click the "Scan" button;
Step 3 6. After the scanning process is done you can preview the files that have just been recovered. Tap the "Save" button located within the top navigation menu.
Step 4 Select a preferred save location, and the desired saving format and hit the "Ok" Button.
By the way, you can also learn to solve another common issue "Word file not responding".
How do You Fix the File is Corrupted and Cannot Be Opened Word?
If you see this error message, try to resolve it by changing settings of the Trust Center. Also, change the manual setting of the button "Component Security" to default state using "dcomcnfg"
Why Recovered Files Cannot Be Opened?
After using a recovery tool to retrieve your files, they could become inaccessible. This error can pop from corruption to the files which can be caused by an overwriting of a part of the file's cluster.
How do I Fix Microsoft Word not Opening?
If a Microsoft Word document is not opening, use the repair option. Go to "Control Panel". From the buttons, choose "Programs and Features". Look for MS Office and from the menu, choose "Change". Now decide to repair and follow the on-screen directions to fix it.
How do I Fix a Corrupt Word Document?
A corrupted word document can be fixed with the utility called "Open and repair" in MS Word. It can also be fixed with the aid of a third-party repair tool. Look for an effective antivirus to eliminate viruses that may have caused the corruption.
Amy Dennis
staff Editor
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