huge increase in file size - why?

G

gumbosoup

Hi, I'm using Word 2002. I've been working with a file that started out at
1,637 KB. I made some small changes to it, including adding an automated
Table of Contents. The file is only 20 pages, and the TOC is one page. I
didn't notice the change in file size until now (2 days later) and I've been
working on it continuously since then, so I can't say that was the exact
cause...but now my file size is 37,500 KB! So I tried deleting the TOC and
saving as a new version, but that only reduced my file size to 37,471. Any
ideas what happened, and what I can do to get my file back to its normal
size? Thanks!!
 
S

Suzanne S. Barnhill

There are a number of reasons for excessive file size, including:

1. Fast Saves: Disable this at on the Save tab of Tools | Options.

2. Preview Picture: Clear the check box on the Summary tab of File |
Properties.

3. Versions (File | Versions): Make sure "Automatically save version on
close" is not turned on.

4. Revisions (Tools | Track Changes):
Highlight Changes: Make sure "Highlight changes on screen" is turned on
(or that "Final Showing Markup" is displayed).
Accept/Reject Changes: If "Accept All" or "Reject All" is available then
revisions are present; accept or reject all changes, then turn Track Changes
off.

5. Keep track of formatting (Tools | Options | Edit). This is reportedly a
major cause of file bloat in Word 2002 and above.

6. Embedded True Type fonts (Tools | Options | Save); embedding fonts should
be avoided wherever possible.

7. Embedded linguistic data (Tools | Options | Save).

8. Embedded graphics: When feasible, it is preferable to link the graphics.
That is, when you insert the graphic, click the arrow beside Insert in the
Picture dialog and choose Link to File rather than Insert or Insert and
Link.

9. Embedded objects: These are even worse than ordinary graphics saved with
the document. If you see an { EMBED } code when you press Alt+F9, the
graphic is an OLE object. Unless you need to be able to edit the object in
place, unlink it using Ctrl+Shift+F9.

10. File format: Make sure you are saving as a Word document; in some cases
..rtf (Rich Text Format) files are significantly larger than .doc files.

11. Document corruption: See
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/AppErrors/CorruptDoc.htm.


--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org
 
G

gumbosoup

Thank you both! Jay, that article was extremely informative! I learned a
lot. And Suzanne, it was the "Track Changes" that did it! Once I went in
and accepted all the changes, it went back to its normal size. Thanks so
much!
 

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