cant open this darn attachment

[pauline]

I used the microsoft open XML converter as recommended by jchuzi. It opened first attempt

[dboh]

QUOTE(jchuzi @ Oct 22 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you have successfully unzipped the attachment and have the .docx file available, you can use Microsoft Open XML Converter, provided that you have Word X or 2004. Word 2008 is already capable of opening .docx files.

Does anyone know if this converter can then save a document as Word 2008, if I'm using Word 2004?

[Jack W]

dboh

I think any document you save from Word X will be readable by anyone using a later version of Word.

- Jack

[dboh]

Thanks. I ask because I'm not familiar enough with Word 2008 to know whether there are formatting (or other) issues that might be lost if it was saved as Word 2004.

[krissel]

In a nutshell:

QUOTE

Word 2008 adopts the new, XML-based .docx format for documents. That format makes Word 2008 compatible with the latest version of Word for Windows. Unfortunately, those documents can’t be opened in older versions of Word without the downloadable .docx converter from Microsoft. To bypass this problem, Word 2008 does allow you to save documents in the older .doc format using a Compatibility Mode.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968229

http://www.macworld.com/article/131559/2008/01/word2008.html

[Xairbusdriver]

Judy used to use a little app called DocConverter several years ago. The developer also made one called < docXConverter>, don't remember it working for her, however. It is PPC only (OK for you), BTW. Of course, it ain't free, my favorite 'price.'

There is a free on-line service, however. You might find <Docx-Converter.com> useful.

QUOTE

In Office 2007 Microsoft introduced a new file format called the Microsoft Open Office XML Format (.docx). This format is not compatible with older versions of Microsoft Word or with alternative operating systems like Linux or Mac OS X. Nor is it compatible with other word processing applications like OpenOffice, Lotus 123, or NeoOffice.

I simply prefer to avoid anything from a company that does business like this. Too many great alternatives to bother with this monopoly, IMHO. YMMV. Just be sure to wash your hands well after using Word...