Tips to open DOC file
Can't open the DOC file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DOC files as well as a list of programs that support DOC files.
DOC file extension
| File Name |
Microsoft Word Document |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Text Files |
The DOC file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DOC files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DOC file on each system platform.
What is DOC file?
A .DOC file is a text document. It is the most popular format for text documents. Originally related to Microsoft Word but supported by most similar programs. Even after introducing a newer and more compact version as a .DOCX file, the previous version is still used quite often. The file is saved in binary form. Currently, due to the cessation of its development, it is used as a highly compatible format between different editors, in other cases it is recommended to use the .DOCX format.
How to open DOC file?
The most common problem when using Microsoft Word Document is that a specific DOC is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that DOC files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DOC file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Microsoft Word
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Word is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Word into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file DOC.
Programs to open DOC file
Remember to download programs supporting DOC files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with DOC files
If, despite the installed application, the DOC file does not start in the Microsoft Word application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the DOC file with the Microsoft Word program.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Word program, it is possible that Microsoft Word Document requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DOC file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:
The DOC file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DOC file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DOC file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected DOC files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of DOC file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged DOC files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted DOC files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the DOC file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the DOC file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the DOC file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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