~$ what does this mean at the beginning of a file

[Guest]

I have a duplicate word file that appeared on it's own, and it starts with ~$
Does anyone know what this is?

 

[Guest]

Hi PamelaP,

Word creates files like these when you open the original file. In this way
Word can determine whether a file is open and should be locked for editing
for others.
When you close your file, the ~-file should disappear. Occasionally, in case
of crashes, files like these can remain on your computer.

Good luck,
Cooz

 

[Guest]

Thanks Cooz, but the duplicate is still on my desktop, where the original
file is as well. If i delete it what would happen? The file is grey.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

See “Description of how Word creates temporary filesâ€
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=211632

This is the "owner file." If it is left after you have closed the document,
it is safe to delete it. Note, however, that the Desktop is not a good place
to store files (and this is just one reason).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.

 

[Guest]

thanks Suzanne

See “Description of how Word creates temporary filesâ€
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=211632

This is the "owner file." If it is left after you have closed the document,
it is safe to delete it. Note, however, that the Desktop is not a good place
to store files (and this is just one reason).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.