RWN said:
Never save directly (or open from) a floppy.
Save to HD and copy to the diskette and v/v-copy from floppy to HD.
IOW - Always ensure that you're opening from the HD or saving to the HD.
I don't know if it applies to Word 2003, but IMNSHO It's a truly
defective program that cannot be relied upon to use removable media
(floppy, CD-RW, flash drive etc) for document storage. This is
particularly true when confidential files like legal documents, medical
records, payrolls, personnel files and other databases containing
personally identifying information (US-SSN, DOB, Mother's maiden name
etc) are involved.
Remember that, although XP is more stable than earlier versions of
Windows, if your hard drive becomes corrupted the computer technician
repairing it will have access to ALL the hard drive's contents. Even
files you have "deleted" or "moved" to removable media can be
recoverable. Even worse is the possibility that your drive might not be
erased or destroyed if it's returned to the manufacturer in connection
with a warranty exchange. Your only defense would be encryption of the
data files.
Also note that the typical CD-R burning process often involves temporary
storage of the files in a buffer on your hard drive.
At the very LEAST use an external hard drive attached to a USB port or a
second hard drive in one of those removable enclosures (locally or in a
server).
