Document Editing Problems

Fix Word Master Document Saving Subdocuments in the Wrong Location

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is attempting to split a large document using the Master Documents feature, but the subdocuments are being saved in the hidden INetCache folder instead of the selected directory, leaving only hyperlinks in the main document.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Splitting a large Word document into separate chapter files using the Master Documents feature.
Observed behavior: Word creates chapter files in the INetCache folder and inserts hyperlinks to them instead of saving separate subdocuments in the user-specified folder.

Before you start

Before modifying or splitting large documents, always create a full backup of your original file, as the Word Master Documents feature is known to occasionally cause file corruption.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Macro or Document-Splitting Add-in

Since the Master Documents feature has a history of reliability issues and pathing bugs, the most stable solution is to use a dedicated VBA macro or a third-party add-in to split the document.

The Master Documents feature in Word is historically unreliable and may alter output paths to temporary folders like INetCache.

Replacing this feature with a proven document-splitting add-in, such as Greg Maxey's Document Splitter, or a trusted VBA macro ensures your subdocuments are saved safely in the correct directory without damaging the original file.

Locate a trusted splitting tool

Search for and download a reputable document-splitting add-in (like Greg Maxey's Document Splitter) or find a reliable VBA macro script designed to split Word documents by headings or sections.

Install the add-in or run the macro

To use a macro, open your document in Word, press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor, insert a new module, paste the script, and run it. For an add-in, install it via the Developer tab by clicking Add-ins.

Select your output folder

Follow the prompts of the macro or add-in to select the exact destination folder where you want your chapter files saved, bypassing the INetCache folder completely.

Recovering lost files: If your files were already saved to INetCache, you can retrieve them by pressing Win + R, typing %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache, and moving the documents to a safe folder.

Split and Manage Large Documents Safely with WPS Writer

Avoid the complications and bugs of Word's Master Document feature. WPS Writer provides a stable environment and built-in tools to easily manage, edit, and extract pages from large documents without risking file corruption.

1. Open your large document: Launch WPS Writer and open the master document you wish to split or edit.
2. Navigate to document tools: Click on the 'Tools' tab and select 'Split Document' or use the page management functions depending on your specific formatting needs.
3. Configure split preferences: Set your desired split parameters, such as splitting by page count, and explicitly choose a secure local destination folder.
4. Execute the split: Click the button to split the file. WPS Writer will generate individual subdocuments directly into your chosen folder.

Built-in PDF and document splitting tools for easy file management.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Lightweight architecture prevents crashing when handling massive documents.Free and intuitive interface requiring no complex VBA knowledge.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word save Master Document files in the INetCache folder?

This is a known pathing bug in Microsoft Word where the Master Document feature defaults to saving temporary subdocuments in the system's hidden internet cache directory instead of the active working folder.

Is the Master Document feature safe to use?

Historically, the Master Document feature is prone to errors, file corruption, and linking issues. Many experts recommend avoiding it entirely in favor of macros or manual document splitting.

How do I access the INetCache folder to recover my subdocuments?

You can access this hidden folder by opening the Windows Run dialog (Win + R), entering %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache, and pressing Enter to locate your files.

How can I merge split documents back into one file safely?

Instead of using Master Documents, open a blank Word document, navigate to the Insert tab, click the Object dropdown, select 'Text from File', and choose all the subdocuments you wish to combine.

Document & File Issues