Word saves a copy of all changes I make?

[Yelena Makarov]

I've heard that Word XP saves some evidence of all
changes and revisions that I make to a document. For
example, if I am keeping a log and in June, I
correct/rewrite an entry from April (in the same
document), someone would be able to detect that the entry
was not written in April. This can be a problem with
legal ramifications.

Is there a way to shut this feature off and get rid of
any record of changes made?
How would I check if any record of re-write was left on
my hard drive?
Is there a negative consequence to shutting off a feature
like this?
Thank you for any help.

 

[Jay Freedman]

See these articles:

How to Minimize Metadata in Word
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=290945

Remove Hidden Data add-in for Office 2003 and Office XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=834427

 

[Charles Kenyon]

First, if it is to truly be a log with legal ramifications, it should be
accurate as a log. Changes should be shown as changes. Martha Stewart may be
sent to prison for doing what you want to do. It can be called Fraud,
Obstructing Justice, or just plain lying.

When I was trainded to be an accountant, we kept all of our books in ink,
not pencil. If a change needed to be made, it was made, in ink. I still keep
my books that way.

Word does not save all that much evidence but it does keep a revision log
showing which user made changes when for the last ten changes. This does not
show what the changes were. This was dropped in Word 2003, I believe.

If you have Versions or Track Changes (or worst, Fast Saves) turned on, then
you are keeping a record in the file.

See http://addbalance.com/usersguide/metadata.htm for an idea of what else
can be saved in a Word document without you being aware of it.

 

[Beth Melton]

Actually it keeps the last 10 authors (user names) who saved the file.

This information is used for Track Changes and some Word fields. It wasn't removed in Word 2003 but as of Word 2002 there is an option under Tools/Options/Security to remove personal information on Save which will remove the author list, previous file locations, and other PII stored internally.

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~~~~~~~
Beth Melton

Word FAQ: http://mvps.org/word
TechTrax: http://mousetrax.com/techtrax/