I got around the problem by opening up a New File Folder in the USB storage
device and in the Zip Drive Storage device - and the same-name New File
Folder in Word on my hard drive. Now I can back-up these files.

It is not The Answer but at least is works.

"Terrence Los Angeles" wrote:

All of a sudden, after innumerable saves to a USB backup and to a Zip 100, I
cannot SAVE TO nor SEND a Word file to a USB back-up.

I get the message DIRECTORY OR FILE CANNOT BE CREATED

or CANNOT COPY.

What has happened?

Terrence, Los Angeles