Microsoft Office Access97

Hi,
Once I purchased the 2007 version of Microsoft Office and activated it, I am no longer able to use the database Access97. I'm told to upgrade to the new Access.

I have a few databases such as a garden plants database and a book database made by Access97 which I really would like to continue to use but I don't want to spend the money required for the new Access.

Is there a database program that cost $100 or less that would accept my Access97 databases? I've been looking on Google and so far I haven't found any. There is a VicMan that is free but I'm afraid to download it because there is some reason why it is now free.

These databases are simple but they have pictures with them so that precludes using Microsoft Works.

Carole Novak, Designer

 

Have you tried Open office. I'm not sure how compatible it is with Access, I don't have much need for DB, but it is quite compatible with word and excel. It's also free but no need to be concerned with dubious intent.

 

wildfire,
The Open Office version of Access is EXTREMELY SLOW and very buggy.
Also, it is not entirely compatible with actual Microsoft Access.
In fact, the widest margin of difference between Microsoft Office and Open Office is experienced in the Open Office database.

Designer,
Some of this depends on which actual version of Office 2007 you purchased.
If the version includes Access 2007, there is a known issue with the Office Installer.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928091
It does NOT stop you from using Access 97, but it may trick you into thinking that.
The office installer will launch when you go back and forth from one version of Access to the other.
If you STAY in one version, and continue to use that version, you should not get the installer popping up.

As far as I know, there should be no specific reason why you cannot use Access 97 on a system which already has Office 2007 installed.

If the version of Office 2007 does not include Access 2007, I would suggest that you call Microsoft for support.
Office 2007 support is free and unlimited for 90 days plus, if Office 2007 jacks up an existing installation, I think support is free anyway.

 

Acess2007 and Office97

wildfire, thank you for your quick reply. I had forgotten about OpenOffice. I downloaded it and it did load my table of Garden Plants but did not load the form with the pictures. Apparently I have to remake the form. Thank you for this information.

Bilb0, thank you too for your reply. I will check with Microsoft on this subject.

After thinking about this awhile, I really shouldn't have purchased and installed the Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007. It looks so different from the standard look of prior Microsoft Office and WordPerfect software that I don't think I want to learn how to use it. Anyway, Microsoft97 fills all of my WP, spreadsheet, and database needs anyway. I just might remove the new office2007 from my computer and use trusty Office97. That will solve my problem.

Carole Novak, designer

Bilb0, the version of OpenOffice I downloaded is OpenOffice3. Is that still buggy?

 

have you tried the freebie from IBM, Symphony. It has all the bells and whistles and is fairly compatible.

 

@Designer - i suggest installing MS Access 97 and the rest of the Office let it be "Not Installed" Use Instead the MS Office 2007 ( Student is okay for home ) and just give it a try... in less than 1 week you will find it is very easy

also, there are some free "classic menu for office" programs that will give an extra ribbon where the "old face office" will be there

also, if you want another Office ... try googling for "Kingsoft Office" which is almost a copy of MS Office 2003 ...that opens the newly .docs .xlsx which none of the alternative Office programs can do ( did i said is shareware for 90 days? ... and they`ve promised a free version also...before the trials ends, at least they`ve sayd it ) . only one problem there, ... this alternative office gives only word/excel/powerpoint ;(

 

Just a thought, have tried to import your 97 DB from the 2007 program file dropdown box.

 

Pete

I bow to your superior expetice, I run office 2005 and Access is included

 

I don't know the difference nowadays but Office 97 did not include Access but Office 97 Pro did, perhaps it's still the same now (ie only the pro versions of office)?

 

MS Access97

Thank all of you for your replies. This is certainly a lively group. My Office97 does include Access97 and as I mentioned previously, I am going to remove Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 so that I can use my Office97 software (I'm hoping).

By the way, I have been using Microsoft Money 2005 for my business expenses and after adding it to my new computer, Microsoft will not let me use my version from 2005 any more. Microsoft blocks my loading the old Money file to my new computer. Intuit Quicken and related products is also the same way, blocking using old products on the new Vista computer.

Again, thanks for all of your replies.

 

I'm sorry designer, but here is the problem.

The way you wrote your initial post, I took it to mean that you were working on a PC that already had Office 97 Pro previously installed (e.g. windows XP or earlier)

Access 97 is NOT supported on Vista.
If you try to install it, it probably will prompt you to install a more current version, ideally, Office 2007 since that is the most recent.

So, going back to your very first post, are you trying to install Access 97 on Vista, or XP?

As for Office 2007, I agree, the look is VERY different.
HOWEVER, if you can get past the frustration of not knowing where everything is, or install one of the legacy toolbar add-ins, I think you may likely find you like it better.

BTW, if you have Office Pro 97, then you qualify for the Upgrade version of Office 2007 so that may help on the cost factor.

I run 16 different partitions on 4 boxes. All with different combinations of Windows and Office, in English and many "localized" versions.
I could litterally run anything I choose for free.
What is my preference?
Windows XP with Office 2007 Ultimate, but that would probably be Vista if my boxes had more resources (all 4 of my work boxes are P4 2.6GHz with 2GB RAM and 256MB Video).

 

Microsoft Access97

Thank you all for your comments and help about this question.

I uninstalled the activation software for Microsoft Office Student and Home 2007 edition and now I am able to use Microsoft Access97 with no problems. What a relief.

Again, thanks to everybody for your responses and help.

Carole Novak, designer