Hello all. I have a question about Word (2002). I create a new document file, fine. If I open it up again in the directory that I saved the document file I can see that there is another weird file automatically placed there. For example: essay.doc (original file in a directory) ~$say.doc (the weird auto placed file) If the filename (not including the extension) is longer than six characters then the ~ and $ characters, in that order, replace the first TWO characters in the original filename and that file icon is transparent. Also when I close the document that weird file goes away from the directory and if I open up that weird file (while the document is running in Word) I get a window that says File Conversion - ~$say.doc in the title bar, has three text encoding options and has a preview section that has a lot of machine code I guess. What is this weird file? Again it is the same file type but it is transparent, has the ~ and $ characters and when I close the document the file goes away. tia whoami

It is a backup copy. Once you save and close the document you are working on then there is no longer the need for the backup so it goes away. Every time you hit save in your working document the backup is updated with the newly saved information. The working document is not saved until you hit save. Or it is the other way around. The document you are working on, before hitting Save, is the transparent one. It is similar to the 'base image' when editing graphics files. HTH Bryan

Bryan: Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me why that backup copy file is in hex or machine code? I assume that that is the file that actively converts what I am writing in Word to machine code which is written to the HD, right? Or could you tell me a good place to find more information on this operation? tia whoami

About 85% down the page explains your situation if I am correct. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;211632 Entitled "WD: How Word for Windows Uses Temporary Files" Quote: Owner File (Same Directory as Source File): When a previously saved file is opened for editing, printing, or review, Word creates a temporary file with a .doc file name extension that begins with a tilde "~" followed by a dollar sign "$" followed by the remainder of the original file name. This temporary file holds the logon name of person opening the file and is known as the "owner file." End Quote HTH Bryan