File Explorer not previewing .docx files or .xlsx will preview txt pdf

OnTheRoad41 · 30 Jul 2018

Lately (I don't know how long, just noticed recently) Win 10 File Explorer won't show a preview of .docx or xlsx files. I have found a weird workaround:

Open File Explorer, Highlight (click on) the file I want to preview. Nothing but a ding sound indicating a little window that says "Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable." I click OK, and then I am able to preview the .docx file in File Explorer.

I used to be able to just click on a file, no matter the extension and it would be previewed in the Preview pane. What could have changed? I am using Win 10 version 1803.

Pam

Caledon Ken · 31 Jul 2018

Hi Pam. Welcome to the TenForums @OnTheRoad41

Might try "Repairing" Office.

Start > Settings > Apps

find Office, click once, in Office 2013 I then click "Modify" and then repair.

Ken

OnTheRoad41 · 31 Jul 2018

I've done the repair, both the quick and the complete (or whatever the long one is called) and I also, when that didn't work, reinstalled Office. Still have the same problem. I'm learning to live with it, but it's extremely annoying that I can't get a quick glance at my docx files.

Caledon Ken · 31 Jul 2018

Well you can feel comfortable that lots of other folks have same issue... and there are dozens of "Solutions"

Several I found mention Internet Explorer browsing history. In some sense doesn't make sense as it will work for you once you click okay.

Can I suggest you start IE and clear your browsing history. If you happen to still be using IE keep your cookies for now.

This article was a concise wrap up. I check my registry and indeed it pointed where article suggested.

https://www.baswijdenes.com/portfoli...ate-work-file/

If indeed deleting history works you could do the creative idea in article, set cache to 1GB.

One solution I also found was reregister word, I tested with no ill effects on my system. With word closed, Windows Key +R, type winword /r, enter. Maybe save this as last option.

Ken

OnTheRoad41 · 01 Aug 2018

OK, tried all of the above (cache to 1GB, winword /r, etc). Still have the problem with File (not internet) Explorer. Getting a new wrinkle now. After doing winword.exe /r, I got this

File Explorer not previewing .docx files or .xlsx will preview txt pdf-changes-have-been-made.jpg

File Explorer not previewing .docx files or .xlsx will preview txt pdf-cannot-make-changes.jpg

It suggests saving Normal.dotm to the Documents folder but it won't let me do that either. I just keep getting the "We can't save this..." box no matter where I try to save it.

It seems like Word is completely screwed up and now I don't know if my Preview problem is Win10 related or Word 365/Office related.

My head hurts.

Pam

Caledon Ken · 01 Aug 2018

What happens if you click Don't save.

Caledon Ken · 01 Aug 2018

Found this.

Did you change the layout of your default blank document?

http://www.word-2013-tutorials.com/what-is-normal-dotm/

OnTheRoad41 · 07 Aug 2018

Caledon Ken said:

Found this.

Did you change the layout of your default blank document?

http://www.word-2013-tutorials.com/what-is-normal-dotm/

Other than changing the default Theme, no. I've sort of given up on this problem. It's way annoying, but I just don't want to spend anymore time on it. I really, REALLY appreciate your trying to help me and I'm sorry I haven't gotten back here, been very busy taking care of sick husband.

Caledon Ken · 07 Aug 2018

Sorry to hear. One last thing up you could try. On "Save" or "Save as" window you will see little box, save thumbnail. That may help.

Hope your husband get well soon.

OnTheRoad41 · 08 Aug 2018

Caledon Ken said:

Sorry to hear. One last thing up you could try. On "Save" or "Save as" window you will see little box, save thumbnail. That may help.

Hope your husband get well soon.

Thanks!

He's doing fine now! Tried your above suggestion, still doesn't work. Oh, well. I still think it was the upgrade to 1803.

Pam