"Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable."

Hi, I am having a problem with my Word 2010 since 2 weeks. Whenever I open it, a pop up comes up and says "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable." I have tried everything, I've searched online, I've chatted with a Microsoft tech but nothing helped AT ALL. Can anybody help me solve this problem? Also, I have tried uninstalling Microsoft Office and installing it back but that didn't work either.

I need help as soon as possible.

Thank you.

This thread is locked. You can vote as helpful, but you cannot reply or subscribe to this thread.

Answer

Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)

The error message "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable". Can be caused by incorrect registry values in the key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders.

Click Start and in the start search field, type

Regedit

and press enter.

In the registry editor, browse to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders

On the right hand pane, check the value data for Cache.

It has to be %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files.

If it is different, double click on Cache and type:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

under value data and click ok. Close the registry and restart the computer and check if it works.

Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)
dougrobbinsmvp@gmail.com
It's time to replace ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ with ‘Excellence, Opportunity & Civility’ - V Ramaswamy

Contribute to the Microsoft 365 and Office forum!

Word Forum Top Contributors:

"Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable."

Replies (6)

Question Info

"Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable."

Replies (6) 

Question Info

Replies (6)