Office 2007 Users

Users who have Office 2007 on their computers can save each file in the earlier version. For example, when saving a document in Word:

1. Click on the Office button
2. Choose the Save As - Word 97-2003 Document

This will save the file in the recognized format for older versions (.doc).

A second option is to have Office 2007 users change the default setting for their files in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to automatically save in a lower version. This is better than having to try and remember each time you save a file to change the file type. To change the default setting:

1. Open an Office application, for example Word
2. Click on the Office button
3. Click on the Word Options button at the bottom of the window
4. Click on Save to display the options
5. Click the down arrow next to the field for Save files in this format and choose  Word 97-2003 (*.doc)
6. Click OK to save the default

Open an Office 2007 File in Older Versions

Microsoft knew that there would be incompatibilities for their new file types for users with older versions so they created a free converter that can be downloaded and installed in older versions. After downloading the converter, users with older versions are able to open the new file formats without a problem. Download the Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel and PowerPoint from the Microsoft website at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en