Meryl's Notes Blog

The X-files have landed! Office 2007 saves files as .docx (Word), .xlsx (Excel) and .pptx (PowerPoint) and those using pre-2007 Office won’t be able to open the files unless they download and install Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats. It took a few tries, but it worked… albeit slowly.

If you don’t have plans to upgrade to Office 2007, I recommend installing the file converter now before the X-files start pouring in. Already, I’ve received two. Those already on Office 2007 needing to share files may want to save files as .doc, .xls, and .ppt to avoid headaches. Save files for pre-2007 Office applications by doing the following (as the image shows):

1. Click the big Office button in the upper-left corner of the application.
2. Select Save As.
3. Select Word 97-2003 Document, Excel 97 - 2003 Workbook or PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation.

You might consider making this a permanent option for a little while. The next two images use PowerPoint to demonstrate the following steps for changing the default file format:

1. Click the big Office button.
2. Select Word Options, Excel Options or PowerPoint Options.
3. Select Save from the left menu.
4. Select Word 97-2003 Document (.doc), Excel 97 - 2003 Workbook (.xls) or PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation (*.ppt) next to “Save files in this format.”

Click the two images to view larger.