Error: Word experienced an error trying to open the file

Have you ever experienced the following error in SharePoint Server 2010 when you try to open a Microsoft Word 2010 file? I have run across this error a few times on Windows Server 2008 R2 computer running SharePoint Server 2010 and Office 2010.

Word experienced an error trying to open the file. Try these suggestions. * Check the file permissions for the document or drive. * Make sure there is sufficient free memory and disk space. * Open the file with the Text Recovery converter.

Here's a solution that has worked for me.

1. Open Word 2010.
2. Click File, Options, Trust Center, Trust Center Settings.
3. Select the Protect View option.
4. Deselect all the Protected View options. You may not have to disable Data Execution Prevention mode. Experiment with the various options until you get the results. WARNING! Obviously, depending on your environment and security requirements you may be taking risks when you disable Protected View. Microsoft recommends that you do not change any Trust Center settings. I know, I know! Easy for them to say.
5. Open Word 2010 file. It should open fine.
6. I have noticed that once I am able to open the file I can go back and enable the Protected View and it still open the files just fine. Hmmm? I haven't spent enough time to really research this but just wanted to let you know.

You may also experience this error in other Microsoft Office 2010 applications. Just use the same method to disable Protected View.