I started to write a document a few years ago and it is shown in various guises spread throughout my computer. Could anyone offer me some advice as to how I could collect data on this document especially when I first commenced writing it.

Simply open up all the files "spread throughout my computer" and copy/paste their contents into a single file (preferably in order).

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I have no idea how to what you suggest. Do I just paste that instruction somewhere and if so, where. I'm using Windows 10 and Word.

If you don't know how to copy & paste, it's remarkable that you could even manage to create the collection you now have. Really, this is no more complicated than opening the source and destination files, selecting the source file's contents, copying them, then pasting into the destination file.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I am a graduate of two universities and hold three degrees so I'm not totally thick all I use the computer for is writing and researching via the Internet and I do not understanding the inner workings of a computer.

I do know how to copy & paste but I have no idea what the terms "source and destination files" mean and therefore have no idea how to select the source file's contents in order copying them or what a destination file is.

My knowledge base is really as restricted as that so when I ask a question on a forum such as this I really do need a simple step by step answer and there is no point in thinking that I hold you level of understanding but thanks for your help.

As to data on this document, right-click on each of the parts, then take a look at the properties.

There seems to be a disconnect here, between your claims and professed abilities. If you can't tell what a source file might be and what a destination file might be, I suggest you ask someone who can teach you the basics of computer use, because this is really basic stuff.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

step 1: Gather all your files in one folder
step 2: Open the doc you want to consolidate it IN
step 3: Click insert > object > text from file
step 4: It will open a dialogue box to select the other word documents you have. If you have multiple documents, click one file and hold the control key and then click the rest of the files.
Step 5: Click ok.

You're done

Firstly may I thanks everyone that has offered me advice.

Secondly in answer to macropod who stated the following.

"There seems to be a disconnect here, between your claims and professed abilities. If you can't tell what a source file might be and what a destination file might be, I suggest you ask someone who can teach you the basics of computer use, because this is really basic stuff."

I have made no claims and professed no abilities however your use of the terms, "source file" and "destination file" has given me a start point and thanks for that. As soon as I typed, "source file" into the Internet it became clear to me this a bit more complicated than someone with my level of knowledge can cope with so I looked at what egrospe17 suggested which is as follows.

step 1: Gather all your files in one folder
step 2: Open the doc you want to consolidate it IN
step 3: Click insert > object > text from file
step 4: It will open a dialogue box to select the other word documents you have. If you have multiple documents, click one file and hold the control key and then click the rest of the files.
Step 5: Click ok.

There is a lesson in that suggestion I will have to learn which is be more careful with your records.

You suggest finding someone who can teach me the basics but at 80 years of age I don't think that I have sufficient time left to benefit from that technique. I doubt that one in a hundred computer users developed their knowledge that way, they do it by opening a PC up and playing around with it and when they get stuck they come to forums such as this which is what I have done but thank you for taking the time to offer suggestions.