backup copy in word 2003

[zaramac]

Hi, I have ticked the "always create a backup copy" in a word (2003) document, and it is there in My documents along with the current version. I was wondering when, if ever, this backup copy updates itself or is there something I am missing here?

[Buenchico]

'Always create a backup copy' doesn't do anything (except label the file for future action) when you first save the file.

Let's assume though that you return to the file, modify it, and then click 'Save'. Normally that would simply over-write your original file, leaving you only with the modified one. But because you've requested a back-up copy, Word will save both the new version of your file and the original one.

With subsequent 'Save' operations, Word will always save the latest version of the file, together with a back-up copy of the file as you opened it.

Here's an example:
Let's say that I send a job application to Bloggs & Co. I then decide to send a nearly identical job application to Smith Ltd, so I open my first application letter, modify it a bit and, after printing it out, save it again.

Later on I get the offer of an interview from Bloggs & Co and realise that I need to know exactly what I wrote in my first application letter. If I'd simply clicked 'Save' after composing my application, that letter would no longer exist because it would have been over-written when I saved my second job application. But if I'd clicked 'always save a backup copy', my original letter would still be there.

Chris

[zaramac]

Thanks Chris, with your explanation its a lot clearer now, more so than in the Word help! So the backup copy will always be the "one before" the current save operation?
All this is because like an idiot I allowed someone to access the file and they accidentally deleted EVERYTHING in a 72 page document. Luckily I had a copy saved on my external hard drive which was two months old, so not total disaster.
Thanks again,
ZM