How to Open .docx Format Microsoft Word 2007 Files with Older Versions of Microsoft Office

Here’s a tip that literally MILLIONS of people around the globe should know about, but isn’t widely known.

The newest verison of Microsoft Word (2007) saves files in a new file format by default.  Supposedly to take advantage of nifty new features that Microsoft has packed into the word processor that most people won’t end up using.  If you use Word 2007, you’ll find that your files are now saved in the .doxc file format vs. the standard .doc format.

This is hidden from view, and you usually don’t need to worry about it — until you send a file to someone else.  Most likely the rest of your world has NOT upgraded to Microsoft 2007 as you have.  Either they pay for their own software unlike you and just haven’t seen the need to fix something that ain’t broke.



When they try to open the .docx file, they’ll get an error message dialog box asking them to find a program that can open it.  UGH.  You can bet your pants that instead of fixing the problem, they’ll assume the problem is YOU — and send back an email to you saying the file is broken, corrupted or plainly just doesn’t work, please send another copy.

Well, here’s where you should bookmark this page or site (hit Ctl-D right now) and send your frustrated friends this way.

HOW TO OPEN .DOCX FORMAT FILES WITH EARLIER VERSIONS OF MICROSOFT WORD

• Install the “Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for 2007 Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint File Formats” from Microsoft (free download of a patch application called FileFormatConverters.exe)
• You’ll also have to potentially update Microsoft Office with recent patches/fixes that have been issued.

By using update patch, you will be able to open, edit (most parts of documents), and save it again in previous versions of Word.  You may not be able to change some items that were created with new features of Word 2007. For example, equations will become images that cannot be changed. Also, note that macros and macro signatures will be removed; Mail merge data will be lost and you will not be able to connect to data sources. And finally you will not be able to open password-protected files (yes, that’s right, it’s locked-up from you! — even if you know the password.)

MACINTOSH USERS: There’s a separate patch for MAC USERS so you can open Office 2008 for Mac or Windows Office 2007 documents.  CLICK HERE for the download.

Whew.  So relax, the YOU are not the problem, regardless of what everyone else is saying.  Isn’t that a relief?