Due to a crazy trackpad / mouse glitch, or maybe it was a virus, Word closed when I did not want it to. Before it closes it always asks me if yes/no do I want to discard the temporary files that show up on the left side of an open document. I don't know what these are called. But like if you create a document and don't save it, it will be in that list of files as Document1, Document2, etc.

During this malfunction, it was like my mouse was being controlled by somebody else! I don't know if it was a virus or just a crazy mouse malfunction but it clicked yes/no, whatever it is that discards those files! I did NOT want it to do that. I always answer the yes/no so that it will leave them alone and then I can check them out later to rename the files or discard them.

How can I view those files again? I opened Word and that space is empty, the files are not showing, there is no list. I am not going to do anything until I, hopefully, find a solution from you guys.

If I understand correctly I think you are referring to the AutoRecovery file list which appears if your computer or Word experiences a crash or malfunction. It lists any files which Word has performed an AutoSave on and you can choose to discard or save.

See this article on how to find those files: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/316951

Essentially if Word isn't showing that list when you open it anymore, then perform a search on your computer for *.asd. You can perform the following which is from the above article.

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word Options.
2. In the Navigation Pane, click Save.
3. In the AutoRecover file location box, note the path, and then click Cancel.
4. Close Word.
5. Open the folder that you noted in step 3.
6. Look for files whose names end in .asd (AutoRecover files).
7. If you find the Word document that you are looking for, double-click it to open it.
8. Save it immediately.

Good luck and let me know how you go or if you require further help.

You can search for files with the asd extension, as Belinda/thetraininglady suggested, and see what comes up. With a bit of luck, you will be able to find at least some of your misssing files.

However, you should also look into the underlying problem with losing control over your computer. Based on your description, it certainly sounds like a virus.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

Say, I found some .asd files but could not open them. How?

BTW, I was wrong, my version is Word 2010.

Also, if I have had to reboot since this session when I first posted, does that mess everything up?

Note that you have to start Word first and then open the asd files. Double-clicking these files won't work.

If Word can't read the files at all, you are probably out of luck, I'm afraid.

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional