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NiklasB's avatar
NiklasB
New member | Level 2
6 years ago

Word suddenly saves file in temp folder

Hi!

When I have opened a Word file from Dropbox and start editing it, when I want to save it it suddenly renames it and saves it in temp folder on my Mac. Why is that?

  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi NiklasB, I hope you're well today!

    Just to make sure that I fully understand what is happening, I have a few questions to ask you.

    Could you give me an example of the file name when it is renamed? Does this look like a temporary Word file?

    Is the file removed from its original location when saved, or is it relocated only while it is open and being edited?

    If you'd like, please feel free to share any screenshots about this (excluding any personal info).

    Let me know what you find!

    • NiklasB's avatar
      NiklasB
      New member | Level 2

      Hi Daphne,

      Here is a screenshot, it makes a work file on Mac HD someSkärmklipp 2020-01-14 09.00.42.pngwhere...

      • Daphne's avatar
        Daphne
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Thanks for the screenshot NiklasB!

        It seems that Word is creating temporary files, which are used to temporarily store file info when it's being edited to free up the computer memory, or to prevent data loss.

        The temporary file should only exist while the current session of Word is open, and it shouldn't result in the original file being removed from its location.

        When you save the file and close the Word app, the changes should be saved to the file in the original location and the temporary file will be deleted.

        If you'd like to read a bit more about these temporary files and how they work, you can check out this Microsoft article here.

        You shouldn't need to worry about this, it's a feature of the Word app that is expected and assists you with editing your files and preventing data loss.

        I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!

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