*Here's* how to fix the "double-click" problem

[Steve Maser]

Had a long conversation via e-mail with some folks.


What *seems* to be the problem -- the new 12.1 version of Office apps
are not "respecting" the *old* file "types" and/or "creators"


Example:

Word files that *will* open:

type/creator -- <null>/<null> (meaning "blank") -- what I got when I
downloaded a document from Web Mail with Safari (though this had the
..doc.dot type...) -- opens when double-clicked


type/creator -- W8BN/MSWD -- what I got with a newly-created Word
document -- opens when double-clicked


Word files that *will not* open:

type/creator -- WDBN/<<IC>> -- This is how Eudora set the type/creator
when received in e-mail.


If I change the *type* to "W8BN" -- leaving the creator to <<IC>> --
file opens!



Excel file that *will* open:

type/creator -- XLS8/XCEL -- newly created 12.1 Excel file.


type/creator -- XLS4/XCEL -- old PC excel file received in e-mail.


Note -- the only difference is the *type*. If I change the type from
XLS4 to XLS8 -- file opens when double-clicked!


Did not try Powerpoint, but I would imagine it's something similar...



Hypothesis: Microsoft removed certain file types in 12.1 -- not
caring about the "creators" -- from being able to be opened while being
double clicked!

Solution: Microsoft puts the above "types" back in their "approved"
list.

*OR* everybody has to (1) get a new/updated e-mail program and (2) use
something like FilXaminer or whatever to "batch change" *all* their
documents to "null" file types.

Both of which suck (frankly) as an alternative.


- Steve

 

[Charles]

*OR* everybody has to (1) get a new/updated e-mail program

Sending and receiving Word docs via Mail 3.2 doesn't seem to change
things.

Charles

 

[JE McGimpsey]

*OR* everybody has to (1) get a new/updated e-mail program

Sending and receiving Word docs via Mail 3.2 doesn't seem to change
things.[/QUOTE]

Be aware there's going to be differing results for people based on where
files originated, or where they've been on their travels. Using Mail or
Entourage is no guarantee that the problem won't occur if the files have
ever been touched by susceptible applications...