.DOC File Type
File extension: DOC or .doc
Description: Word Document
Author of the .doc file extension: Microsoft Corporation
Category: Document file
Programs that use the .doc file type: Microsoft Word
Explanation of .doc file extensions:
The .doc file extension stands for document. Microsoft Word is a word processing program widely used for creating documents using a variety of writing tools.
Typical problems associated with the .doc file extension:
One of the most common problems with .doc files is infection. DOC files contain macros which could execute dangerous malware programs.
In addition, many users who do not have Microsoft Word cannot open .doc files. Even existing Word users may have trouble opening the files if they are using a different version of Word. For example, if a user has Word 2003 and tries to open older .doc files that contain Office clipart from version 2000, they may run into errors opening it.
Another common .doc problem occurs when the Windows registry contains invalid instructions or has had references to .doc files removed by spyware or other processes.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Use care when opening .doc files, especially those you are not expecting as they could contain dangerous macros and viruses. Run a virus and spyware scan before opening any .doc files downloaded from the Internet or received via e-mail.
Update your copy of Word with the updates and patches released by Microsoft. Microsoft regularly solves compatibility issues such as the one described above and releases a fix to solve the problem.
If you do not have Microsoft Word, download the free Word viewer from Microsoft. Alternately, consider download the free OpenOffice.org Writer word processing program. This program is compatible with Microsoft Word and can easily open .doc files.
If you are receiving computer errors, run a registry cleaner to resolve many common .doc errors.
Associated links:
Word Viewer
OpenOffice.org Writer
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