unable to open .docx Word files?
I’ve had a bunch of clients ask questions about how to open the new MS Word files that are created by MS Word 2007. Microsoft changed their standard .doc file format to .docx and earlier versions of Word cannot, by default open the files. The newest version of Word comes with Vista, so if you have Vista, you may be sending files that some people cannot open. If you don’t have Vista, you are likely having difficulty opening some Word files sent by Vista-users. There are a few solutions to file incompatibility issues:
Upgrade to MS Office 2007: The new version of Word is a very different layout from the old version. Before committing to the new Office, I recommend trying a demo (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA101672751033.aspx). In the new Word, it is somewhat difficult to find the tools that you’re used to using because they moved everything around. It’s all there, it’s just hard to find what you’re looking for. Costco is offering MS Office for $73.99 currently (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11191375).
Install a Converter: For my PC that runs the older version of Word, I installed a converter so I can open .docx with no problems. This plugin allows older versions of Word to convert the new .docx (the file format that the new Word creates) to good ol’ .doc. It doesn’t even prompt you when you’re opening a .docx file, it just opens it naturally. You can get .docx to .doc converter for free at: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/ha100444731033.aspx
Save As –> Word 97-2003 Document: For those who already went to Vista, you may wish to save your documents in .doc instead of the default .docx so that anyone you send the file to can read it without installing converters, etc.
