Mate it is a text file but its offering me no options to change it to a .doc file in properties or anywhere.

Could it be possible he cannot view the file extension because of settings?

Try:
Open explorer > tools > folder options > views > uncheck "hide extension for known file types"

Okay, i've done as Kaistars suggested and its worked, its not a .doc file and it opens with Word. But when I start it up it says word needs a converter to display the information. I agree and it asked me for my word cd, so I put my cd in but it isn't reading it... this is getting even worse.

The actual message that comes up is 'The path 'works suite word CD or DVD' cannot be found. Verify that you have access to this location and try agaun or find the instalation package 'WORDRET.MSI.' in a folder you can install the product Microsoft Word 2002'

Perhaps something here may help:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/do...449811033.aspx

It's not a ".doc" but it opens with word? What file type is it specifically? Jephree will be able to help you out much better when he knows that.

Its a .doc, but when I open the file (and even after downloading the word viewer) it says it needs a convertor to read the file. Am I missing something on the website, my word is 2002

Just to verify:

You were writing this document on this computer using Word '02?

If so what exactly did the USB drive have to do with it? Were you just copying it to USB?

Was not your Word automatically backing up your document? This is usually done every few minutes.

Is the original in any form still in Word?

As to the viewers you might need say the '07 viewer depending on how this file was saved.

I was writing the document on this computer using word 2002, I was working from the files on my usb and saving the files on my usb. I don't know if it was saving automatically, and I don't know where the original went... it literally disappeared from my school folder on my usb. Seconds after it had happened I tried to access the file from word's history but it wouldn't let me. This is so bad... I can't believe its happened now..

Just tried installing the '07 viewer, still nothing mate