2003/2007 Compatibility Question

[Ruthe B]

I create workbooks for accounting students that include blank general
journals, ledgers, financial statements, and the like. Certain information is
provided, and students fill in the rest (often typing data into specified
blank cells), then they turn in the file as a completed assignment. My
question in general is this: will custom-designed spreadsheets of 2003 look
the same when viewed in 2007? I utilize many apparently blank cells that
contain custom number formats (to align underscores and dollar signs in a
column, for example). Should I anticipate any compatibility problems with
files created in 2003 for users using 2007? There are no complex macros,
add-ins, or templates involved. Thanks.
Ruthe B
Textbook Spreadsheet Designer

 

[Dave Peterson]

Just a guess from someone who's been using xl2007 for less than a week!

My guess is that the worksheet "form" will look very, very close. But the
toolbars that you used to see will be replaced by the wizard.

It may make your changes a little more difficult until you find those equivalent
features--but for the typical user, I bet you won't notice much of a change.

But the only way to really know is to try it out. You may want to have both
versions installed on your pc--and be the first person to get 2007 so you can do
some rigorous testing.

 

[Jim Rech]

Just a guess from someone who's been using xl2007 for less than a week!


I'd think so too.


Wizard? Did you mean Ribbon?


--
Jim
| Just a guess from someone who's been using xl2007 for less than a week!
|
| My guess is that the worksheet "form" will look very, very close. But the
| toolbars that you used to see will be replaced by the wizard.
|
| It may make your changes a little more difficult until you find those
equivalent
| features--but for the typical user, I bet you won't notice much of a
change.
|
| But the only way to really know is to try it out. You may want to have
both
| versions installed on your pc--and be the first person to get 2007 so you
can do
| some rigorous testing.
|
| Ruthe B wrote:
| >
| > I create workbooks for accounting students that include blank general
| > journals, ledgers, financial statements, and the like. Certain
information is
| > provided, and students fill in the rest (often typing data into
specified
| > blank cells), then they turn in the file as a completed assignment. My
| > question in general is this: will custom-designed spreadsheets of 2003
look
| > the same when viewed in 2007? I utilize many apparently blank cells that
| > contain custom number formats (to align underscores and dollar signs in
a
| > column, for example). Should I anticipate any compatibility problems
with
| > files created in 2003 for users using 2007? There are no complex macros,
| > add-ins, or templates involved. Thanks.
| > Ruthe B
| > Textbook Spreadsheet Designer
|
| --
|
| Dave Peterson

 

[Dave Peterson]

Hmmm. Stupid fingers. Yep. I meant Ribbon.

It won't happen again <vbg>.

Well, until the next time.

 

[Ruthe B]

Thanks, y'all! You're right: I did download a trial Office 2007 on one
computer, and opened files created on the "2003 computer" -- and my 2003
Excel files work and look great. One follow-up question: can both programs
exist on one system? Or will 2007 replace the old version once I buy it? I'm
hoping I can keep both so that I can create spreadsheets for the "largest
common denominator" at least for awhile.

 

[Dave Peterson]

From what I've read, both versions (and lots of versions) can exist on the same
pc with no (or only minor) problems.

Just make sure you install to a separate folder and choose not to overwrite the
existing version(s) of office.

I think some people have written that sometimes the Help gets confused--or that
it only uses the newest version--I don't recall.

I actually installed on a virtual pc, so mine are on different logical
computers.