Microsoft Office Version Conflict

Inevitably, when Microsoft publishes new versions of its dominant Office software application suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), businesses and organizations end up with a mixture of old and new versions--at least for awhile.

This time around, Microsoft's new version, Office 2007, is not backward compatible, but don't lose hope!

Here are some words of wisdom from Carrie Sallee to help you cope:

"Having trouble opening certain Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files? The reason is that more and more computer users are using the new Microsoft Office 2007 version. This version uses a new file format which is supposed to reduce file size, improve security and reliability, and enhance integration with external sources. What this means is that older version of MS Office (like so many people are using) can’t read the newer versions without using a converter. Word, Excel, and Powerpoint 2007 have a new file format all based on XML. The extensions will change from .DOC, .XLS, .PPT to .DOCX, .XLSX, .PPTX.

Also, icons have a slightly different look.

To resolve version conflicts, simply install the "Compatibility Pack" and you will be able open, edit, and save files using the file formats new to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007.

If you are one using the new Office 2007, we strongly suggest you save your file to a lower version so others who don’t have Office 2007 can read it.

Just do this:
· Click the File menu,
· Choose "Save As"
· Save it as a Word 97-2003 Document