Microsoft Word glitch may delete unsaved documents
Word, part of the Microsoft 365 package, has a problem. In some cases, it deletes documents instead of saving them. The issue affects version 2409 (build 18025.20104) and occurs only in specific situations. It revolves around the file name in Word and the pop-up window that asks to save the file.
Users of Word within the Microsoft 365 package may encounter an unpleasant surprise due to an error occurring in version 2409. It turns out that for documents with a name containing the # symbol or with extensions saved in uppercase letters (DOCX or RTF), the file will be deleted and not saved on the disk when the user attempts to save a local copy.
Microsoft described this issue in a short statement and offered a possible workaround for the Word error. To avoid the described problem, Word users have several alternative ways to save files until the issue is resolved.
The problem arises exclusively when Word asks to save the file (after pressing the X button to close the program). You can bypass this step by manually saving the document in advance. Another option is to adjust the settings in Backstage view and use keyboard shortcuts to save the document.
However, even without applying these workarounds, the file "accidentally" deleted by Word is not immediately permanently erased; it is simply moved to the recycle bin. If this occurs, you must check the recycle bin and restore the document. Microsoft has stated that their team is already investigating the issue. The statement is several days old, which may be somewhat concerning regarding the speed at which the issue will be resolved. Meanwhile, it’s advisable to be vigilant when saving documents.
