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Problem Opening Downloaded Word and Excel Files

G

griffinqfx

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 7, 2008
4
0
Hello, I have a MacBook Pro and Word 2008. Everything is working pretty much ok, except there is one recurring problem that can be quite annoying.

Whenever I download a document (from my class website), it is supposed to open up word with the document in it.

However, when this is supposed to happen, it just opens up word or excel, and gives me a blank document. I then have to manually search for the document in my downloads folder. Why do I always have to do this, when the command I make is to open files with word? It only opens the program, but word just sits there with a blank document.

Anyone know how to fix this problem?

Thanks
 
perhaps your "command" is broken.... what exactly are you referring to here ?

What format are the documents in on the website, and do they have the proper file extensions....ie .doc or .xls ?

If you locate the documents and dbl clik on them, do they open properly ?
 
Even when I go to the download folder and double click it, Word will open a blank document. Then I need to manually search for it using the Open command.

All the formats are .doc.

Thanks for your response, I'm trying to figure out it it's my OS or Word...
Do you know much about commands? I certainly don't, but I'll try to look that up.
 
It does sound like it's most likely a Word problem. Since that is the case, reinstalling Word might resolve the issue.
 
My guess is your Mac doesn't know how to open the file.

Choose "Get Info" on the File, change the default application to open it with Word, then click the button "Change All" .
 
kev319 said:
My guess is your Mac doesn't know how to open the file.

Choose "Get Info" on the File, change the default application to open it with Word, then click the button "Change All" .
Click to expand...

Hmm, I tried that and nothing changed. It still opens up word, but only with a blank document. I think it knows to open word...just not the file...so strange.

Anyways, thanks for the help, the investigation continues!
 
I've had the same problem from time to time with Lotus Notes and word attachments. If memory serves me right, I chose a word doc that wasn't working, opened it in Get Info, and re-pointed the opening app at Word (don't forget the "Change All" button). After that, no problems.
 
I have this same problem with Powerpoint and Word documents downloaded from University e-mail and websites. I did the "get info" open with powerpoint for .ppt and .pptx files and now those work fine. Did the same with .doc files and I still have the problem. I'll download .doc or .docx file, word opens and asks me what type of new project I want to do, I'll click word document and get a black page. I'm using Office 2004. Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
ditto

I'm having this issue as well. Funny thing is that I can use a different account and the files load correctly. I've deleted all of the Microsoft office prefs from the problem account but to no different effect.

Anyone have another idea? I'm stumped.
 
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