How do I read DOCX files in Office 1997

[djprescott]

I am using Office 1997 and it is fine for my needs. Is there any way I can read a docx file on a website without upgrading to a newer version of Word/Office?
Many thanks.

[ChuckFickens]

I don't think there is.

MS have a compatibility pack available to allow earlier version of office to open DOCX files (and XLSX etc) but I don't think it will work with office 97.... you can try it though, worst that will happen is computer says no.

http://www.microsoft....cd1466&displaylang=en

You may have to upgrade office, or just ask the person to gave you the file to save it in a earlier format.

[MarkRae]

You can't directly. I appreciate the fact that Office 1997 is probably working perfectly for you, but it's 13 years old now and that's aeons in computer time. Two choices, I think:

1) bite the bullet and upgrade to Office 2010 (or, at the very least, 2007)

2) move to OpenOffice

[ChuckFickens]

"or, at the very least, 2007"

Or office 2000 and install the compatibility pack, if office 97 is working fine then office 2000 will as well and is pretty cheap on ebay now.

[MarkRae]

Sure, but I meant that if the OP is "resigned" to upgrading Office, it would probably be wise to go for a currently supported version:

http://support.micros...+2000&Filter=FilterNO

[tamborine]

Tell the sender to file it as a web page, to send

[djprescott]

Thanks for the quick answers. So basically I need to stop being a dinosaur!!! Problem is my computer is running this software fine and it will probebly struggle with a newer version of Office, especially 2010.
Is OpenOffice any good?

Thanks again.

[MarkRae]

The thing is that things change very quickly in computer hardware and software and, to a certain extent, if you don't keep up you get left behind and run into problems exactly like you're having now.

OpenOffice is superb, not least the price! However, although it's not anything like as resource-hungry as Microsoft Office, you should still verify the minimum requirements first: http://www.openoffice...urce/sys_reqs_30.html

[ChuckFickens]

As above, but there is no reason why you can't just try open office to see what it's like (assuming your system meets the requirements), it's totally free and can easily be removed if you don't want it.

Should be available for download from Marks links.

[djprescott]

Many thanks for the helpful answers, much appreciated. I will give Openoffice a go.

Cheers

[Bigfellah]

Try web site www.zamzar.com to convert the file to a regular .doc file. Saves buying the necessary upgrade if it works.