The reason for the error is that the file is corrupt, meaning Word can’t process or display it correctly on your computer. This corruption could be a result of the file being transferred multiple times between devices. Alternatively, it could be because the file was saved in the .doc format, rather than .docx, which is a compatibility feature for users of older versions of Office. All is not lost, however. We’ll explain some steps you can take to fix a corrupt Word document and resolve this problem below.
Use the Recover Text from Any File Converter in Word
If the file you are trying to open is corrupt, you can use Word’s built-in recovery tools to get some or all of the copy back. One feature is Recover Text from Any File, an option accessible in the Open menu. To record a Word document using the Recover Text from Any File tool: Word will attempt to recover the file and open the document. Results will vary. It can take some time to open the file, and you may lose some formatting options and images inserted in the document.
Repair the Word File
Another recovery method to recover a corrupt document is using Word to repair the file. To repair a Word file: Word will repair the document and attempt to open it so you can recover your document.
Update Office and Windows
Your document may not open due to a bug in the Office suite or the operating system. So, if the file recovery options don’t work, check for and update Office and Windows. Note: Before checking for updates, save your work and close all open Office apps. To update Microsoft Office:
Repair or Reset Office
If you still can’t open the document and get the “We found unreadable content” error, it could be a problem with Office itself. Luckily, you can repair or reset Office. To repair or reset Office: After the repair and/or reset process, try opening your problematic document or attempt a file repair option to see if it works.
Perform a Repair Install of Office
If Office still isn’t working correctly, you can do a repair install. This process allows you to repair Office with or without an internet connection. Note: Your Office apps will not be available during the repair process, so ensure you save your work and close open Office apps first. To do a repair install: Once the repairs are complete, launch the Microsoft document giving you the error and see if it will open. If it doesn’t, try one of the file repair options outlined above. The update and repair may now allow you to open the file error-free.
Fixing Corrupt Microsoft Office Files
If you get a “We found unreadable content” error while attempting to open a Word document, one of the above solutions should allow you to open the file. But results will vary depending on the level of file corruption. Another option is to find a backup file in OneDrive and save it to a separate location. Microsoft Word has a number of other features that you might not know about (yet). For example, you can view the word count in real-time and insert custom headers and footers in Word. If you need more advanced options, check out how to embed a file in Word. Or, if you’re an academic, learn to use MLA format in Word or format APA style in Microsoft Word. Comment Name * Email *
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