skip to main content

Microsoft Office - opening old documents

aachenelf z5 Mpls

11 years ago

I just purchased a new laptop with the Microsoft Office Starter package installed. I thought this would be great because I really don't need the full-blown office package. I use Word and Excel, but not all that much, however I do need them.

When I tried to open all my old documents created in Office 97 (yes I know that's an old version), I couldn't do it. I got a message saying I needed the paid version of Office to open these.

First question: Is that true?

So, what to do next? Should I just break down and purchase Office or is there a free word processing package that might meet my needs. These are the things I need to do:

Open all these old documents for starters. I should mention there are a number of documents created with Word Line Draw. Would any of these free packages open these documents?

I also on occasion need to send people word processing documents. If I use a free package would they be able to open these without too much trouble if they are using Microsoft Office? Also would I be able to open documents people sent me?

Any thoughts?

Kevin

Comments (6)

bob414
11 years ago
There are at least two free office suites that would fill your needs. Open Office and Libre Office are the ones I'm referring to. If you would rather work in word open the .doc file with one of the above and save it as a .docx file. Here is a safe link for downloading one of the office programs.
owbist
11 years ago
As you get to open your Word 97 .doc files using either program Bob points to you might consider saving them as .rtf (Rich Text Format). That way you have escaped from the clutches of Microsoft plus the documents can be opened by those using a Mac or other Apple products or any other word processing program.
Related Discussions
RE Open Office and conversion from MS Office
Q
Comments (5)
I hear you, damccoy....my memory is NOT what it used to be either and my attitude is NOT what it used to be either. I find myself "cranky" about having to spend my valuable time learning something new when what I was doing was perfectly fine and suited my needs. AND I would really prefer spending my time doing something else more fun...like quilting or sewing or reading on my kindle or gardening or scrapbooking or cooking or most anything than sitting in front of a computer screen. And I know that I may learn a new trick or two but I really don't care....I was a happy camper with things the way they were! "Obstinate and cranky in her old age" Murphy
...See More
Microsoft Office 2007 problems with old docs
Q
Comments (1)
open office does work fine, I just open the 2003 doc then copy the content, open a 2007 docx, then paste. I suggest this for anyone having this problem. It takes over an hour to install open office, I guess a lot of people need it right now.
...See More
open office-microsoft word
Q
Comments (22)
Is this computer YOUR OWN PERSONAL COMPUTER owned by YOU, or does it belong to your employer? If it belongs to the employer or is connected to the employers network, then your company's IT department may have rules about what CAN and CANNOT be installed on their network and on computers owned by them or used on their network. If this is the case, your should talk to whoever in your building is responsible for computer services and find out if they can assist. It may be that the network doesn't recognize you as someone authorized to install new programs.
...See More
Using an older Office program to read new documents
Q
Comments (2)
Microsoft Office Compatibility pack will do this. Please be sure to read all the directions carefully at the below link. Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft Office Compatibility pack
...See More
aachenelf z5 Mpls
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I did some quick review reading on both of the suggested office suites and they look very promising. In fact, from the reviews one has to wonder why your average person would even want to shell-out the big $$ for Microsoft Office, but I guess they do.

I guess the only way to see if they will work for me is to try them. Hopefully this weekend, I'll have some time to do so.

Kevin
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
Microsoft's main market for Office is employers, public and private sector. The historical investment most places have made in things like forms, macro-driven apps, interfaces with other systems, etc., as well as what happens as new hires come in, make it much cheaper to continue with widely used MS software. Software license costs are small change compared to infrastructure and support expenses. For employers of any size, the fees paid for Office are a small fraction of the retail price an individual would face.

For individuals, a free choice should serve most purposes. For a workplace other than very small, or an employee of a fair sized place who wants work compatibility in using a personal machine, MS is most frequently the choice.
mikie_gw
11 years ago
I've used Kingsoft Word processor.
Its small in size compaired to Libre or OpenOffice (which are HUGE)
... converts lots of MS products,,, and free !

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.kingsoftstore.com/kingsoft-office-freeware.html
owbist
11 years ago
Thanks Mickie, that looks interesting. I have grabbed it and will install on one of my other computers to see how it goes later on.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DECORATING PROJECTS What to Do With Old Family Photos

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Find out how to research, share and preserve images that offer a connection to the past

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Unusual Mixes of Old and New in Texas

Modern touches done in surprising ways give a traditional Austin house a whole new personality

ARCHITECTURE Style Divide: How to Treat Additions to Old Homes?

By Mitchell Parker

One side says re-create the past; the other wants unabashedly modern. Weigh in on additions style here

UPHOLSTERY The Perks and Perils of Reupholstering Old Furniture

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Secondhand upholstered pieces can add character to a room, but beware of bugs, snakes and hidden costs

MOST POPULAR How to Create an Inventory, Whether You're Naturally Organized or Not

By Alison Hodgson

Documenting your home items is essential, even if disaster seems unimaginable. And it may be easier than you think

HOME OFFICES 15 Home Office Areas Houzzers Love to Save

By Erin Carlyle

See the new desk areas with the most saves to ideabooks. Is there a detail here you can use?

HOME OFFICES The Great Paper Push: Just Say No

By Bneato Professional Organizing

Going paperless is a heck of a lot easier when you put the kibosh on letting flyers, junk mail and more get past the front door

ORGANIZING 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Home Office

By Laura Gaskill

Start your workday with a smile in a home office that’s neat, clean and special to you

MOST POPULAR How to Add a Backyard Shed for Storage or Living

By Mitchell Parker

Need a home office, a playspace or extra room for your stuff? Learn about off-the-shelf, prefab and custom sheds

HOME OFFICES World of Design: 11 International Architects in Their Home Offices

Thinking about relocating your office to your home? From Sydney to Copenhagen, these architects share their insider knowledge

Sponsored

More Discussions

Hard drive removal

5

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

sound missing on Dell

3

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2