Microsoft 365 glitch: Word deleting files instead of saving
Word, as part of the Microsoft 365 package, has a problem. In some cases, it deletes documents instead of saving them. This issue affects version 2409 (build 18025.20104) and occurs only in certain situations, particularly involving the file name and the pop-up window asking to save the file.
6:41 AM EDT, October 8, 2024
Users of Word within the Microsoft 365 package might be unpleasantly surprised by an error occurring in version 2409. It appears that for documents with names containing the # symbol or with extensions saved in uppercase letters (such as DOCX or RTF), the file will be deleted instead of saved on the disk when the user attempts to save its local copy.
Microsoft described this issue in a short statement and offered a possible workaround for the Word error. To avoid the problem described, Word users can save files "differently" until the issue is resolved.
Since the problem arises exclusively when Word itself asks to save the file (after clicking the X button to close the program), users can skip this step by saving the document manually beforehand. Another option is to adjust the Backstage view settings and then use keyboard shortcuts to save the document.
However, even without applying these workarounds, a file "accidentally" deleted by Word is not permanently erased immediately. It is moved to the recycle bin. You must check the recycle bin and restore the document if this occurs. Microsoft has stated that their team is already investigating the issue. The statement has been available for several days, which may raise concerns about how the Word issue will be resolved. Until then, it is wise to stay vigilant when saving documents.
