Compatibility plugin for Word 2007/v12.0 *.docx Documents

[GregoryBinks]

Many of my associates have already upgraded to the BETA version of
Microsoft Office 2007 (v12.0) and are exchanging word files (*.docx)
that are incompatible with Office 2003 for PC and Office 2004 for Mac.
I have found a 'plugin' from the Microsoft website for my Office 2003
for PC that allows these new *.docx documents to be converted and read
in the older software. However, I haven't found the equivalent for the
Office 2004 for Mac version, which causes a minor inconvenience for me.
While I realize that these new versions are indeed BETA and are not yet
supported, I am wondering if MS has a 'plugin' available for Mac Office
2004 that will accomplish the same, or if they are planning on
releasing one in the near future?

Thanks

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

They have announced converters will be available for Office 2004. Not sure
what timing is planned, but presumably they are aware the converters will be
needed long before MacOffice 12 is released (as that version will use the
new file format also).

You could use Help | Send Feedback in any Office app to let them know it's
already an issue.

 

[Art Shotwell]

Until converters are available, it might be best for you to suggest to your
associates to output their documents in .doc format rather than .docx. Much
of the rest of the world will be unable to read .docx for months or years to
come.

 

[Paul Berkowitz]

Your associates are aware they're using a BETA, yes? Even if it's been
announced as RTM. Until that day (just a few days ago) the Mac Office people
could not be certain there would not be further changes. They have been
preparing file converters for Office 2007 file formats, yes - that was
announced a long time ago. I think you can expect that the converters for
Office Mac will be ready somewhere around the time that Office 2007 is
officially released - not before. That is due to be sometime in January.
(You may also have noticed that in previous years MacBU likes to make
announcements of "nice things" during Macworld SF - also always in January.)
I think you won't go too far wrong to be hopeful for sometime in mid-
January or so as the first possibility - it could still be a while after
that, though. Until then, as Art says, just ask your associates to Save As
Word Document 97-2004 (.doc) format.

--
Paul Berkowitz
MVP MacOffice
Entourage FAQ Page: <http://www.entourage.mvps.org/faq/index.html>
AppleScripts for Entourage: <http://macscripter.net/scriptbuilders/>

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PLEASE always state which version of Microsoft Office you are using -
**2004**, X or 2001. It's often impossible to answer your questions
otherwise.