For one possibility, see http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/AppErrors/RecoverText.htm

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Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://word.mvps.org
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"Baffleduk" wrote in message
...
When I use Windows Explorer I find that all Word files have suddenly been
changed to Text documents. All new files are also changed. My default
setting
is to save as Word files.
I am using Office 2000 and I have Windows XP Home.
How can I get back to a doc format setting, and is it possible to get all
the existing files back into doc format?