Problem is doc corruption
Later versions (after Word 6) of M$ Word have extensive corruption
problems. One of the more benign versions of corruption sometimes looks
like that message "disk full" that you described.
To solve it, select all, then hit "F9" (update fields).
Now go through, and look for some dynamically linked item such as an
Equation that has been replaced by the small bold type "ERROR! Cannot
update unlinked object!" or something like that.
Put your cursor next to that equation, and hit "undo".
Enter a completely new equation like the old one, just before it.
Delete the old, corrupt equation.
Save.
---> Aside from that, our experience has been that Word corrupts
documents as they get larger, if you do any of the following:
Paste end-of-line markers; paste tables; Copy/Paste (should cut and
paste, preferably with an intermediary like text); change the
definition of what "NORMAL" style is; use FAST SAVE; use VERSIONS; use
MASTER DOCUMENTS; use EDITING.
Corruption can result in: loop errors (computer locks up, trying to
refresh a new screen segment that references itself continuously),
longer loop errors (keep seeing the same page over and over as you page
down), destroyed tables, destroyed text, missing text, destroyed formatting.
If you get these problems, you have to clean the document. That means
(1) debride all dead text, and save the remaining parts "as" a new file
(2) go over those parts, and copy straight text to a clean document,
never once copying a table or ^p paragraph marker
In general, my advise is to name your files with version numbers, and
"save as" regularly. FILE0001.doc, FILE0002.doc, etc. That way, if you
do get corruption, you can get old text from the old doc. But you
should also keep a handwritten journal of everything you do from one
file to the next.
- Mike
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