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Word cannot open this file the file format does not match the file extension (C:\users\...\spreadsheet_contents.docx)

how can I change this file to a doc. file

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Hello Carol,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Office Community.

Follow the steps mentioned below to change the extension of a document from *.docx to *.doc and see if it helps:

1) Open Windows Explorer and on click View tab and clear File name extensions checkbox.

Note: Ensure to check File name extensions after the troubleshooting process.

2) Right click on the document and select Rename.

3) Now change the extension of the document from *.docx to *.doc and then try opening it.

Hope the above information helps. Reply with the result and I'll be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

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Hello Carol,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Office Community.

Follow the steps mentioned below to change the extension of a document from *.docx to *.doc and see if it helps:

1) Open Windows Explorer and on click View tab and clear File name extensions checkbox.

Note: Ensure to check File name extensions after the troubleshooting process.

2) Right click on the document and select Rename.

3) Now change the extension of the document from *.docx to *.doc and then try opening it.

Hope the above information helps. Reply with the result and I'll be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

Hi There, I just tried this and am getting another error message:  "Word cannot open the file because it is an unsupported file type

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What was the original file extension?   Note, changing the extension will NOT change the type of file
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

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What was the original file extension?   Note, changing the extension will NOT change the type of file

 *.docx

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If you change the extension to .zip, can you open that archive, which is what docx files are.

What was the origin of the document?

If you want to send a copy of it to me, I will see if there is anyway that I can open it.

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

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Were you able to open this document in the end? I am having the same issue!

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Hello Drew,

Before we proceed, I need more information to help you better.

1) What type of file are you trying to open in Word? Is it *.doc or *.docx file?

2) Did you try performing any troubleshooting steps so far?

Reply with necessary information for further assistance.

Thank you.

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Daniel,

I am having a similar issue, trying to open a .docx file. Are you able to be of assistance?

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Can you put a copy of the file in a folder on your OneDrive that you set to be shared and then post a link to that folder back here so that we can take a look at the file and possibly recover it for you.
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

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Hello Daniel,

 I  faced the same error, I tried the same steps but it can NOT work, can I have further assistance on this issue

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Last updated May 28, 2024 Views 132,506 Applies to: