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University of Wyoming

Word
Auto Recover

[pdf version]

Use the Auto Recover feature in Word if power is lost or the program stops responding.

Set the Auto Recover Feature

  1. Click Tools > Options.
  2. Click the Save tab.
  3. Check the Allow background saves box.
  4. Check the Save Auto Recover info every box.  The default is 10 minutes.  Click the up or down arrow to change the number of minutes.
  5. Click OK.

The recovery time can be changed from 10 minutes to a shorter time period.  Keep in mind that if the computer loses power or the program stops responding before 10 minutes, an auto recovery files is not created.  Consider changing the time to a shorter period so changes are saved more often.  For important documents, consider setting the time at 1 to 3 minutes.  Remember, a shorter time period does use more system resources.

Be sure to save the file frequently by clicking the Save icon on the Standard toolbar.  Also click File > Save As or File Save.  Auto Recover should not be used as a substitute for regularly saving a file.

Ed.  09/2003

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Updated 09/15/2006