Alias Opens Backup File on Server Instead of Original
  
PSS ID Number: Q112035
Article last modified on 03-07-1997
 

 

 

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4.00 5.00 5.10
MACINTOSH
kbnetwork
 
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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.1
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SYMPTOMS
========
 
When you double-click a Word document, the backup copy of the document
opens rather than the original.
 
CAUSE
=====
 
This problem occurs if a file located on a network server is opened using
an alias from the local hard disk, then backed up using Word's Make Backup
feature, and then saved. When you then try to open the file, the backup
copy is opened.
 
NOTE: This problem does not occur if the files are stored on the local
hard disk.
 
STATUS
======
 
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 4.0, 5.0, and
5.1 for the Macintosh. We are researching this problem and will post new
information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
 
WORKAROUND
==========
 
Instead of using Word's Make Backup feature to back up the file, save a
copy of the file in the same folder on the server:
 
1. Open the document.
 
2. From the File menu, choose Save As.
 
3. Clear the Make Backup option and change the name of the document in the
   Save Current Document As box. Choose Save.
 
The alias will open the original document if the method above is used to
maintain a backup of the file.
 
MORE INFORMATION
================
 
The alias feature makes it easier to open a file. Since the alias stores a
path to the aliased file, the file can be launched on a remote server
without the user having to know which subfolder the file is located in. If
the Make Backup command is active a Word document is saved to the server,
the alias path will switch and point to the backup file rather than the
original.
 
REFERENCES
==========
 
"Microsoft Word User's Guide" for Word 5.0/5.1, page 68
 
"Reference to Microsoft Word" for Word 4.0, page 312
 
KBCategory: kbnetwork
KBSubCategory:
Additional reference words: macword 4.00 5.00 5.10 appleshare M_System
macword5 macword5
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1997.