.DOCM File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .DOCM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

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What is a .DOCM file?

A DOCM file is a document created by Microsoft Word, a popular word processor included with Microsoft Office. It contains embedded macros that can be executed within the document. DOCM files are used to automate Word Open XML document (.DOCX) tasks by adding advanced macro functionality.

What Are Common Causes of ".DOCM" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".DOCM" (Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled Document) files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may mistakenly delete ".DOCM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or power outages during file saving, can lead to ".DOCM" file corruption or loss.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect ".DOCM" files, causing them to become corrupted or inaccessible.
  4. Software or system crashes: Unexpected software or system crashes while working with ".DOCM" files can result in data loss or file corruption.
  5. Improper file handling: Improperly closing or saving ".DOCM" files, forcefully shutting down the computer, or removing external storage devices without safely ejecting them can lead to file loss or corruption.
  6. Hardware failure: Hardware failures like hard drive crashes or failures, faulty storage devices, or problems with the computer's RAM can cause ".DOCM" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  7. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications or versions can result in ".DOCM" file corruption or failure.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices, improper file transfers, or incorrect file manipulation, can lead to ".DOCM" file loss.
  9. File encryption issues: If ".DOCM" files are encrypted and the encryption keys or passwords are lost or forgotten, the files may become permanently inaccessible.
  10. Operating system upgrades or updates: Sometimes, upgrading or updating the operating system can cause compatibility issues with existing ".DOCM" files, leading to file corruption or failure.

How to recover lost ".DOCM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".DOCM" file may be deleted.

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".DOCM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".DOCM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".DOCM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".DOCM" files, and select analysis type.

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

How to open file with ".DOCM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document image file file?

Programs that open ".DOCM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Word 2019
Apache OpenOffice
Mac
Microsoft Word 2019
Planamesa NeoOffice
Apache OpenOffice
Linux
Apache OpenOffice
iOS
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Android
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro

Additional Information

  • File type: Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document

  • File extension: .DOCM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Text Files

  • Format: Zip

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Comments (1) #

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:41 #

    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .DOCM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!

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Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

What is a .DOCM file extension and what does it typically signify?

A .DOCM file extension typically signifies a Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled Document. It is a file format used by Microsoft Word to store documents that contain macros. Macros are sets of commands or instructions that automate tasks within the Word document. The .DOCM extension indicates that the document may contain macros and can execute them when opened.

How does a .DOCM file differ from other common document file formats like .DOCX or .PDF?

A .DOCM file is a document file format that is primarily used in Microsoft Word. It is similar to the .DOCX format but with the addition of macros. Here are the main differences between .DOCM, .DOCX, and .PDF file formats:

  1. Macros: .DOCM files can contain macros, which are small programs or scripts that automate tasks within the document. Macros can be used to perform various actions, such as formatting, calculations, or data manipulation. .DOCX and .PDF files do not support macros.
  2. Compatibility: .DOCX files are compatible with various word processing software, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages. On the other hand, .DOCM files with macros may have limited compatibility, as some software or platforms may disable or block macros for security reasons. .PDF files are highly compatible and can be viewed on almost any device or operating system using PDF reader software.
  3. Editability: All three file formats (.DOCM, .DOCX, and .PDF) can be edited, but the ease of editing varies. .DOCM and .DOCX files are designed for easy editing in word processing software, allowing users to modify the content, formatting, and structure of the document. .PDF files, however, are primarily intended for viewing and sharing, and editing them requires specialized software or converting them back to another editable format.
  4. Security: .DOCM files can potentially pose security risks due to the inclusion of macros. Macros can be used maliciously to execute harmful actions on a user's computer, so caution is required when opening .DOCM files from untrusted sources. .DOCX and .PDF files, without macros, are generally considered safer.
  5. File Size: .DOCX and .DOCM files tend to have larger file sizes compared to .PDF files, especially if they contain complex formatting, images, or embedded objects. .PDF files are optimized for efficient storage and can often result in smaller file sizes, making them easier to share or distribute.

Overall, the main difference between .DOCM and other document file formats like .DOCX or .PDF lies in the inclusion of macros, which allows for automation and customization within the document but may also introduce potential security risks.

What are some methods or software options available to open and view .DOCM files on different operating systems?

There are several methods and software options available to open and view .DOCM files on different operating systems. Here are a few:

  1. Microsoft Word: .DOCM files are primarily associated with Microsoft Word. You can open and view .DOCM files using Microsoft Word on Windows, macOS, and even online through the Office 365 web app.
  2. LibreOffice: LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor called Writer. It can open and view .DOCM files on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  3. Google Docs: Google Docs is a web-based word processing application that can open and view .DOCM files. You can access Google Docs on any operating system with a web browser.
  4. WPS Office: WPS Office is a free office suite that includes a word processor compatible with .DOCM files. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  5. SoftMaker FreeOffice: SoftMaker FreeOffice is another free office suite that can open and view .DOCM files. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  6. OpenOffice: OpenOffice is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor called Writer. It can open and view .DOCM files on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  7. Online file converters: There are various online file conversion services available that can convert .DOCM files to other formats like .DOCX or PDF, which can then be viewed using compatible software on different operating systems.

It's important to note that some features or formatting specific to .DOCM files (such as macros) may not be fully supported in alternative software options.