Windows 10: SECURITY PROBLEM: OpenOffice Temp Files?

Hi,

This is a serious problem for me as it relates to my security.

I save all of my .doc files inside an encrypted folder using the OpenOffice app called "Writer".

I remember when I used to use Microsoft Word that it would create a some kind of "TEMP" file.

If the "TEMP" file is stored outside my encrypted folder it pretty much makes my encryption worthless...

Thank you for any help!

Normally the temp file is removed once you save the file it's only there incase it crashes

NiceAndShy said:

This is a serious problem for me as it relates to my security.
I save all of my .doc files inside an encrypted folder using the OpenOffice app called "Writer".
I remember when I used to use Microsoft Word that it would create a some kind of "TEMP" file.
If the "TEMP" file is stored outside my encrypted folder it pretty much makes my encryption worthless...

I have LibreOffice Writer, but it is basically a variation on the same software. I've just tried it and looked at the temporary files it creates.

By default, the temporary files are created in a sub-folder in your TEMP folder, which is usually ...Appdata\Local\Temp. They will all be deleted as soon as you close Writer. If Writer crashes it may be left behind.

In LibreOffice there is a setting under Tools > Options > Paths where you can choose a different location for temporary files. You could point this to an encrypted folder, if you wish. Open Office should have a similar option.

I'm going to check the folder now.

Is it possible to tell OpenOffice to never create a TEMP file?

Thanks!

NiceAndShy said:

Is it possible to tell OpenOffice to never create a TEMP file?

No. The temp files are necessary for the operation of the software while it is running. It's not just Open Office, most software creates temp files while in use. They can however be safely deleted after the program has been closed.

Unless you change the default location the temp files will be created in your TEMP folder. To look at it's contents open File Explorer, type %TEMP% in its address box and press the enter key. If you look at this folder and run Open Office you will be able to see the temp files it creates, you will also see that they are deleted as soon as you close Open Office.

Should Open Office crash, some temp files may be left behind. All files in the TEMP folder are safe to delete, if one is in use you won't be able to delete it until you close the program that's using it.

You can change the location of temporary files in Writer.
Tools > Options > OpenOffice > Paths > Temporary files, and you might want to change others as well Depending on other Options in Load/Save.
You can stop an auto Backup file (Load/Save > General) but not temporary ones as they are required for various bits of functionality.