Tips for Fixing a Problem WordPerfect File

A lot of us have been using WordPerfect for a long time and we have files that we update and use over and over. This is easy to do since the file format in WordPerfect has stayed the same since version 6.1. But, every once-in-a-while a continuously-reused WordPerfect file develops a glitch, for example, it won’t print properly or you can’t edit past page 2. This is most likely due to the “file prefix” becoming corrupted. Sometimes a newer file develops this glitch; for example, one that has been opened and edited in MS Word or a file that contains text copied from a MS Word file.

How can you fix that file and not lose all your hard work? Well, before I give you the answer I want to give you two tips to help avoid the problem:

• Instead of reusing and resaving the same file, create a new file using the File > Save As option. Save the file with a new name (e.g., change file name from “Annual Report” to “Annual Report 2005”). Now, make your updates in this new file.
• Always have a backup (that you know works) of your WordPerfect files!

Now, to fix this problem, you need to create a new file prefix. To do this,

1. Start a new document and type a letter (X, for example) or press the Enter key.
2. Choose Insert > File from the menu. Select and Insert the problem file.
3. Delete the X or blank line.
4. If the file prints and works properly, save this file with a new name.

If the file still has a problem, repeat steps 1 and 2 above, then

• Select the entire document (Ctrl+A) and copy (Ctrl+C) the text and codes.
• Open a new document and then paste (Ctrl+V) the text and codes in the new document.

If the above steps don’t work, your last option is to copy the text from the Open File dialog box. (NOTE: This option does not work in WordPerfect 12 SP 1.)

1. Select File > Open on the menu.
2. Turn on File Preview by selecting View > Preview.
3. Click once on the file name to see the preview (see sample screen below).
    
4. Select all the text in the Preview pane with your mouse. Right-click on the selection and select Copy from the shortcut menu.
5. Return to the document screen and select Edit > Paste Special. In the Paste Special dialog box, select the “Unformatted Text” option. This option will give you all the text without any formatting codes.

~ Pam Peters

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 Last updated March 31, 2005