How to Fix Word Unreadable Content and File Opening Errors
Question details
Users are unable to open their Word documents because the application displays an 'unreadable content' error message.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a previously saved document from a local drive, OneDrive, or a synchronized folder.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word blocks the file from opening and reports unreadable content, which typically happens when the document is damaged or the user accidentally attempts to open a temporary lock file instead of the actual document.
Verify the name of the file you are trying to open. If the file name begins with '~$' (for example, '~$cument.docx'), it is a temporary lock file, not your actual document, and cannot be opened directly.
Restore an Earlier Version using OneDrive
If your document is saved in OneDrive or a synchronized folder, reverting to a previous version is the most reliable way to bypass file corruption.
Cloud storage services like OneDrive automatically save historical versions of your documents as you work. If the current version is corrupted and showing an unreadable content error, you can easily restore a working copy from an earlier point in time.
Open your file explorer and navigate to the OneDrive or synchronized folder where your corrupted Word document is saved.
Right-click on the document and select 'Version History' from the context menu.
Review the list of saved versions. Select a version from before the corruption occurred, click the three dots next to it, and choose 'Restore' to overwrite the damaged file with the functional older version.
Use Built-in Local Document Recovery Options
For documents saved locally without cloud synchronization, you can use Word's built-in repair features to extract text or fix the file.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Document Management
If you frequently encounter file corruption, lock file issues, or unreadable content errors in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly stable, lightweight alternative that excels in file format compatibility and features robust auto-backup mechanisms to protect your work.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open your documents seamlessly: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly without worrying about formatting loss or unreadable content errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a file name starting with ~$ mean?
A file starting with '~$', such as '~$cument.docx', is a temporary lock file created by Word when a document is actively open. It prevents multiple users from editing the file simultaneously. It does not contain your actual document text and will throw an error if you try to open it.
Can I recover an unreadable Word document if I didn't use OneDrive?
Yes. If the file was saved locally on your Desktop or Documents folder, you can use Word's built-in 'Open and Repair' tool or the 'Recover Text from Any File' option located in the File > Open dialog box.
Why does Word say my file has unreadable content?
This error is typically triggered by document corruption caused by unexpected system shutdowns, application crashes during saving, incomplete file transfers, or attempting to open a hidden temporary system file instead of the main document.
