Over time, it is possible that a Word document becomes corrupted. While you still may be able to work normally with the document in Microsoft Word, it is possible that Help Producer cannot convert the document properly because certain internal functions of Microsoft Word fail due to errors in the document.

Use a different file format

Due to its complexity, the binary file format of Microsoft Word (.doc files) is prone to errors. If technically possible, you should save the document using a different file format, such as XML or RTF. If you are using Microsoft Word 2003 or higher, we recommend saving your document using the XML file format.

1. On the File menu, click Save As.
2. In the File name box, type the name of the new file name.
3. From the Save as type list, select the file format you want to use.
4. Click the Save button to save the file.

Repairing documents (Word 2002 and higher)

Starting with Microsoft Office 2002, Word allows you to ‘repair’ a document. This option performs a more extensive consistency check of the document, and can correct certain problems.

1. On the File menu, click Open.
2. In the Look in list, click the drive, folder, or Internet location that contains the file that you want to open.
3. In the folder list, locate and open the folder that contains the file.
4. Select the file that you want to recover.
5. Click the arrow next to the Open button, and then click Open and Repair.

See Also

Software Problems | Troubleshooting