Mac Tutorials
Guide to Recovering Unsaved, Lost, or Deleted Word Documents on Mac OS 🗂️
In this guide, we explore various methods to recover unsaved, lost or deleted Word documents on Mac OS. From accidental closes without saving, to recoverable items in your trash, we’re going to see how all is not lost. Using inbuilt features of Microsoft Word for Mac and advanced recovery software, we get those important documents back. 👍
Using Auto Recovery in Word for Mac
First up, let’s consider the Auto Recovery feature in Word for Mac. By default, the application automatically saves your open Word files every 10 minutes. If your computer crashes or Word freezes, you can tap into the auto recovered version. 🔄
To do this, open Finder on your Mac, click on ‘Go’, then ‘Go to Folder’, and type ‘~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery’. Select, rename and save the desired document.
Using the Temporary Folder in Mac
Next, we look at the temporary folder within your Mac. This handy locale keeps files named ‘Word Work File’ – another saver when unsaved work seems lost. Access this folder via Applications > Utilities > Terminal > ‘$TMPDIR’. Find and save your required Word file to recover it. 💾
Using Recovered Items in Trash
Another quick win is the Recovered Items folder in your Mac’s Trash. When unsaved or accidentally deleted Word documents, they may end up here! It’s always worth a check.delete
Using EZ Data Recovery Wizard
Finally, if all else fails, consider a recovery software like EZ Data Recovery Wizard, which has special features for unsaved document recovery. Just download the software, scan the device where you lost your file, and follow the wizard’s prompts to recover the unsaved Word file. 💫
Conclusion: 🏁
We’ve just gone through multiple methods to recover your unsaved or deleted Word documents on a Mac. Here’s hoping this guide has been helpful and you’ve managed to salvage your important files! Remember, taking regular backups can save a lot of hassle in the future! ⚙️💻📈
FAQ
What is the purpose of this guide?
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to recover unsaved, lost, or deleted Word documents on a Mac OS.
Can I recover an unsaved Word document on Mac?
Yes, the AutoRecover function in Word for Mac allows you to recover unsaved documents.
How can I locate the AutoRecover files on my Mac?
You can locate the AutoRecover files by navigating to ‘Word’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘File Locations’ > ‘AutoRecover files’.
Can I recover a deleted Word document on Mac?
Yes, you can recover a deleted Word document from the Trash if it hasn’t been emptied yet. If it has been emptied, you may need to use a data recovery tool.
What if the Trash has been emptied?
If the Trash has been emptied, you will need to use a professional data recovery software.
What is a data recovery software?
Data recovery software is a tool that can recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices.
Can I recover a Word document from Time Machine backup?
Yes, if you have been using Time Machine to back up your files, you can recover a lost or deleted Word document from a Time Machine backup.
How do I recover a Word document from Time Machine backup?
Navigate to the folder where the document was stored, click on the Time Machine icon in the Dock, choose a backup date, and then select the document to restore it.
Will I lose any recent changes if I restore a document from Time Machine backup?
Yes, Time Machine restores the document as it was at the time of backup, so any changes made after the backup will be lost.
Can I utilize AutoSave feature in Word for Mac?
Yes, if you have an Office 365 subscription, AutoSave is available in Word for Mac. It automatically saves your Word documents to OneDrive or SharePoint.
What if my document got randomly crashed?
If Word crashes, it usually tries to automatically recover the work you were doing when it crashed. You can also find it in the ‘AutoRecover’ folder.
Will the recovery methods work for other types of files?
The recovery methods explained in this guide should work for most types of files, not just Word documents.
What to do if none of these methods works?
If none of these methods works, you may need to consult with a data recovery specialist.
Can these recovery methods harm my Mac?
No, these recovery methods will not harm your Mac. However, if you are using a data recovery software, ensure that it is from a trusted source.
How long does data recovery software usually take to recover a file?
The time taken by data recovery software to recover a file depends on the size of the file and the speed of your Mac. However, it usually doesn’t take very long.
Can I recover a document that was never saved?
If you have not saved a new document and your computer crashes, you can usually recover the document using the AutoRecover function in Word.
Can I recover a document after a system crash?
Yes, typically, after a system crash, you can recover a Word document using the AutoRecover function, from a Time Machine backup, or with a data recovery software.
Does restarting my Mac help recover a lost document?
Restarting your Mac won’t directly aid in recovering a lost document. It’s better to follow the steps described in this guide.
Can I recover a document that was deleted a long time ago?
The ability to recover a document deleted a long time ago largely depends on how your system overwrites deleted data. A data recovery software has the best chance to recover it.
How do I prevent losing Word documents in future?
To prevent future losses save documents regularly, use features like AutoSave and AutoRecover, and create regular backup of your files using Time Machine.
How often does Word for Mac AutoSave documents?
By default, Word for Mac AutoSaves documents every 10 minutes. This duration can be adjusted in the preferences.
Can I choose where to AutoSave my documents in Word for Mac?
AutoSave feature saves documents to the default location (usually OneDrive or SharePoint). For a different location, use Save As or set a different default location in the preferences.
How do I set a different AutoRecover location in Word for Mac?
To set a different AutoRecover location, go to ‘Word’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘File Locations’ > ‘AutoRecover files’, and select a new folder.
Can I recover a document from a damaged hard drive?
If your hard drive is physically damaged, data recovery software may not be able to recover your document. You may need to get help from a professional data recovery service.
How much does it cost to use a professional data recovery service?
The cost of a professional data recovery service varies depending on the complexity of the data recovery. It’s best to contact a service directly for an accurate quote.
Can I recover a password-protected document that I’ve lost the password for?
Recovering a lost document doesn’t recover its password. However, there are tools and methods to recover or remove the password, which are not covered in this guide.
Does the recovery process vary depending on the version of Word being used?
While the general process tends to remain the same, certain features like AutoSave may only be available in recent versions of Word.
How to ensure that the AutoRecover function is enabled in Word for Mac?
To make sure AutoRecover is enabled, go to ‘Word’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Save’, and ensure that ‘Save AutoRecover info every X minutes’ is checked.
What is the maximum file size that can be recovered?
The maximum file size that can be recovered depends on the capabilities of the specific data recovery software you are using.
Are there any other ways to recover lost Word documents on Mac?
This guide covers the most common methods of recovering lost Word documents on Mac. However, other methods may be available depending on specific software or system configurations.