How To Create Automatic Backup Document Copies In Microsoft Word

msofficelogo.pngI recently lost a large document created in Microsoft Word 2003 when I accidentally saved the file using the same file name. I was using the previous saved version as a template for the new document, and should have first saved it as a different file name. Anyway, that's water under the bridge. What is the easiest way to make backup copies of documents when using Microsoft Word?


   

Microsoft Office Word 2003 does have an option to create automatic backup copies of a document that you are working on. As a matter of fact, this option is available at least back to Office XP.

To set this option, open Word and from the menu, select Tools \ Options

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In the Options dialog box, select the Save tab and check the box next to Always create backup copy under Save options. Click OK to save the setting.

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Word will now create and save a backup copy of the document each time you save the document. Each backup copy replaces the previous backup copy. Word applies the .wbk filename extension to all backup copies, and it saves them in the same folder as your original document. When you select this option, Word disables the Allow fast saves check box, because Word can create backup copies only when it performs a full save.

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Comments on How To Create Automatic Backup Document Copies In Microsoft Word »

August 9, 2007

beylo @ 9:22 am

thanx for the information!!

October 1, 2007

Sarah @ 6:12 pm

Ok I have enabled automatic backups but now I have a billion backups listed in my files, is there a way to hide the backups?
Thank you

Watching The Net @ 8:18 pm

@Sara

I would think you are better off deleting what you don't need instead of hiding them (which is not an option in Word).

April 12, 2008

Mike @ 6:40 pm

You can also create multiple backups or versions of your document while you work and you dont have to save at all. Check this out http://www.freeofficerecovery.com

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