Initial strategies for fixing corrupt files

[catbill]

Sometimes, files that were originally created in Word cause Writer to crash. When I open the file, LibreOffice “repairs” it, but then after I work with the file, it crashes again.

When possible, I can ask people to save Word files in formats before .docx. Presumably, that could help.

But when it is too late for that, what steps can I take to try repairing the file? I understand that there are many scenarios and reasons for corruption and crashing but when I need help with a specific file, there is usually not enough time to upload the file here and receive a response in time to help.

So, to be clear, I would appreciate some general guidelines about what to do. If there is software that might be helpful, please feel free to recommend it.

I would be grateful for any thoughts.

[AlexKemp]

Hi catbill

The general statement is to always save LO files within their native LO format. So, using DOCX as the example, that would mean the following workflow:–

1. Open .docx file with Writer
2. Immediately save as .odt
3. (edit as normal with Writer, saving as ODT each time)
4. Export to .docx (whatever) format if required, but continue to save as ODT whilst editing

I have never yet had an issue opening DOCX files, so cannot comment on that aspect.

HTH