Cannot Save Word Documents

I am running on a 16 in MacBook Pro, 2021 and Sonoma 14.0. Over the last few days I cannot save my word documents. I have Autosave checked and it keeps turning off. I have lost HOURS of work TWICE. When the autosave function turns off by itself, it doesn't even let me save the document at all. I get an error from word that says "A file error has occurred. (Praxis DRAFT 20231009.docx)". The text in Parenthesis is the title of my document. It will not allow me to turn on my one drive or allow me to save to the documents version on my Mac hard drive OR my icloud. I read to try to save it with a different file name, which worked as a .doc, but then it deleted all of my formatting for my citations. Earlier I uninstalled and reinstalled Microsoft 365 and used MacPaw to clean out any erroneous files and rebooted. It was working fine for about 30 minutes and back to square one. I'm at my wits end. I'm tempted to go out and get a Window's computer at this point, but all of my references for my dissertation are on my Mac icloud. HELP!


MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 08:49 PM

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Posted on Mar 15, 2024 05:44 AM

Same issue here. It automatically tries to save in a temporary file, but can't. I have to keep resaving it as the same file name. Why are Macs acting like PCs these days? Not good.


All of the 'solutions' below seem off...way off.

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10 replies

Oct 9, 2023 11:25 PM in response to NuklearV

NuklearV Said:

"Thanks for your help. Don’t think this will solve the problem. This only happens on my Mac. I tried my husbands PC laptop and it’s not an issue at all. Might have to buy a set up to go Pc"

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You are welcome.


Request a New License Key:

Over-the-years, I've had troubles with MS Office on my various Macs. Chatting with Microsoft, I was given a new key. I simply told them that the key incorrect, or that after an update, it no longer works. Upgrade to newer macOS, and the version just may not work, due to incompatibility. My MS Office 2019 version had 2008 license keys, and Microsoft was fond enough to provide me with 2019 license keys, being the package came with older keys. I provided them with a few photos for proof of purchase, and then I got the new license keys. There are so many license made available to me that lots have yet to be downloaded on Macs.


So, provide them with a proof of purchase, and maybe they'll provide you with a new license key. Do so, using Microsoft Virtual Agent: https://vsa.services.microsoft.com/en-us/v1.0/


Be certain you restart after installing the software.

Oct 9, 2023 09:01 PM in response to NuklearV

NuklearV Said:

"Cannot Save Word Documents: I am running on a 16 in MacBook Pro, 2021 and Sonoma 14.0. Over the last few days I cannot save my word documents. I have Autosave checked and it keeps turning off. I have lost HOURS of work TWICE. When the autosave function turns off by itself, it doesn't even let me save the document at all. I get an error from word that says "A file error has occurred. (Praxis DRAFT 20231009.docx)"[...]."

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Troubleshooting Saving Word Documents:

See this Link from Microsoft Community: MS Word document won't save properly - a file error has occurred - Microsoft Community. It appease you need to add a paragraph symbol and then delete it. You'll it much more in depth at that link.


No success?...

Chart with Microsoft Support: https://vsa.services.microsoft.com/en-us/v1.0/

Oct 9, 2023 09:04 PM in response to NuklearV

Dump the MacPAW software. There a high likelihood that is causing some of the trouble.


MacOS is very capable of keeping itself in good running without the “aid” of anti-virus, clean up, speed up and other such software. In fact, applications such as these often cause more problems than they prevent, and they are unnecessary.


Uninstall MacPAW, restart your computer, install any OS updates that Software Update may find waiting to be installed.


Make sure your Office apps are also up to date and then get back to your work.

Oct 9, 2023 10:35 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

I tried the Mac paw as a ditch attempt to get this working. It was happening before I installed. But I’ll try to uninstall and reboot. I already made sure I have all the up to date software for both iOS and Microsoft 365.


I have never had this problem before. I’m did my whole masters and doctorate up until yesterday afternoon and never had a problem. I’m about to get a new computer.

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Cannot Save Word Documents

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