Whenever I attempt to open an existing document using Word 2016 on my Windows 10 computer, I encounter an error:
Word could not create the work file. Check the temp environment variable.
Although I am able to edit and save the document without any issues, the error message persists in the background and produces an annoying sound every time I open a document. I have attempted to create a new document in Word and successfully save it, but upon reopening the file, the same error message appears.
In my search for a solution, I have come across articles that suggest using regedit to verify that the Cache environment variable is set correctly.
I have confirmed that my variable is set to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache
, which is the recommended setting. However, I have noticed that the aforementioned location is marked as read-only in Windows, which strikes me as unusual.
I am unsure whether this is a normal occurrence or if it is related to my problem. Has anyone recently found a solution to this error message?
2 Answers
I experienced the same error message while using the Word Preview feature simply by selecting a file in Windows Explorer. Based on your description of the message appearing in the background, it seems likely that you are encountering a similar issue. I was able to resolve this problem by deleting specific Registry Keys as follows:
Word Preview : HKCR\CLSID\{84F66100-FF7C-4fb4-B0C0-02CD7FB668FE}
PowerPoint Preview : HKCR\CLSID\{65235197-874B-4A07-BDC5-E65EA825B718}
Excel Preview : HKCR\CLSID\{00020827-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
Microsoft indicates that this issue may occur when a user installs the 64-bit version of Office, uninstalls it, and then installs the 32-bit version. However, I am skeptical that I ever installed the 64-bit version.