Converting files for double-click in Office 2008

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

Hi All,

As most of you probably know by now, in the Service release 1 for Office
2008, Microsoft decided to prevent files with old file types to open
through a double-click or a drag and drop (and don't know why and that's
not the point here).

There is a workaround to open these files. MS recommends that you use
the Open dialog from within Office applications. If you have hundreds of
old files affected with this problem, that's hardly a decent solution.

You can batch-wipe out the creator code of your files as well. If you do
so, the Finder will then exclusively rely on the extension of the file
(eg: .doc, .xls...). That works well... unless you are missing
extensions on some of your files.

I've been considering a much better approach (IMVHO): correct the file
types according to what they are now actually supposed to be.
I wrote a simple AppleScript for that, but I need feeback:
- I know what outdated file types are now blocked by Office for Word and
Excel, but not for PowerPoint.
- I need people to test the script and report back in case there is a
problem (test on a *copy* of your files of course! The script seems
prety harmless, but you can never be too careful).

I posted the script here:
<http://www.cortig.net/wordpress/?p=171>

Feedback would be much appreciated.

Corentin

 

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

I posted the script here:
<http://www.cortig.net/wordpress/?p=171>

An improved (recursive) and updated version of the script is available
here:
<http://www.cortig.net/wordpress/?p=172>


Corentin

 

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

An improved (recursive) and updated version of the script is available
here:
<http://www.cortig.net/wordpress/?p=172>

BTW (still replying to myself :-\ ), it just occured to me that this
could probably be used as a folder action script for the FireFox or
Eudora attachment folder for instance. It would (should?) automatically
fix all new downloaded files.


(later) a very simple modification of the script makes it work with
Folder Action Script.

If I don't get any negative report about the main script, I'll post both
a drag and drop version, and a folder Action script.


Corentin

 

[Daiya Mitchell]

If I don't get any negative report about the main script, I'll post both
a drag and drop version, and a folder Action script.

Post it in the PROBLEM thread in the Word group, first---I think that's
where you reach the people who will test it.

Daiya

 

[Corentin Cras-Méneur]

Post it in the PROBLEM thread in the Word group, first---I think that's
where you reach the people who will test it.

Steve Maser helped me quite a bit by pointing out a few errors.
A much improved version is now ready and I'll make an annoucement in a
few mintues.

Corentin