Problem Opening Downloaded Word and Excel Files

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by griffinqfx, Nov 7, 2008.

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  1. griffinqfx, Nov 7, 2008

    griffinqfx macrumors newbie

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    Nov 7, 2008
    #1
    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
     
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  2. SmurfBoxMasta, Nov 8, 2008

    SmurfBoxMasta macrumors 65816

    SmurfBoxMasta

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    #2
    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 ?
     
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  3. griffinqfx, Nov 8, 2008

    griffinqfx thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #3
    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.
     
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  4. ant-macyourself, Nov 8, 2008

    ant-macyourself macrumors member

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    #4
    What happens if you right-click on the Word document and try to open it in TextEdit? Does it open normally?
     
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  5. griffinqfx, Nov 9, 2008

    griffinqfx thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #5
    When I do this, it works just fine, and opens up in text edit.

    Does this mean it's probably Word that's the problem?
     
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  6. ant-macyourself, Nov 9, 2008

    ant-macyourself macrumors member

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    #6
    It does sound like it's most likely a Word problem. Since that is the case, reinstalling Word might resolve the issue.
     
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  7. kev319, Nov 9, 2008

    kev319 macrumors newbie

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    #7
    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" .
     
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  8. griffinqfx, Nov 9, 2008

    griffinqfx thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #8
    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!
     
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  9. KítscheñÇinqµe, Nov 10, 2008

    KítscheñÇinqµe macrumors regular

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    #9
    looks like a browser mime type handling problem.. ?
     
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  10. yellow, Nov 10, 2008

    yellow Moderator emeritus

    yellow

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    #10
    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.
     
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  11. Aj2488, Dec 8, 2009

    Aj2488 macrumors regular

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    #11
    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
     
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  12. kidsdrdan, Dec 30, 2009

    kidsdrdan macrumors newbie

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    Dec 30, 2009
    #12
    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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