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.