One of the most common things I run into are users unable to open what they believe to be a “Microsoft File” but it won’t open. Now those of you who’ve resolved this know what I’m talking about. Those who haven’t, you’ll thank me for this simple fix!

The common question is, “I have MSWord, why can’t I open this?!” While this applies to Excel, Access, and Word, we’ll use MSWord for our example. A quick tutorial; all files have an extension at the end of them, even though you may not know it. This is how your computer knows what application to use when opening a file. The newer releases of MSOffice (2007 & 2010) save the files with an extension of ‘docx’ while the previous versions (97-2003) save files with the extension of ‘doc’. Note the “x” at the end of the new version? While the new version can read old versions, the older version is not smart enough to open the new version.

There are two solutions:

If you’re a user with MSWord 97-2003, download the file: ‘FileFormatConverters.exe’
Here’s the link: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=3

Install this Microsoft provided fix. You’ll now be able to see those files with the ‘docx’ extension. HOORAY!

If you have a newer 2007 or 2010 version of MSWord, FIX THE SETTING! The best way to resolve this is to set your new version of MSWord to ‘default’ saving the files in backward compatible format. Then, no matter who you send the files to, no matter what version of MSWord they have, the can read them. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Word

2. Click the File tab.

3. Click Options.

4. Click Save.

5. Under Save documents, click Word 97-2003 Document (*.doc) in the Save files in this format.

That’s it!

I hope this bit of information helps you with your computer operations. Until next time, don’t forget your backups!

Harv Oliver is the owner/senior tech for HANDS-ON Consultations (HOC) Computer Support Services serving Fillmore, Ventura County & Beyond since 1998. For more information, visit the HOC web site at www.hocsupport.com or call (805) 524-5278. NOTE: Provided information is presented as a courtesy ONLY. Please check with an IT professional for assistance or perform suggestions at your own risk. Harv Oliver or HANDS-ON Consultations is not responsible for any activities users perform.