Microsoft Word/Works...any difference?

I just received an emailed Works document (I blieve version 7) which I couldn't open, although I have Microsoft Word 97 (SR-2). The sender claims they're compatible and that it should open. If so, what am I doing wrong?

 

I have Word 2000 but should be same in 97. In the file/open dialog box, at the bottom click on the "Files of type" drop down box, scroll down to the MS Works line (*.wps files) and click, then click open. HTH

JohnB

 

I think Works 7 came out after Word 97. If so, Word 97 isn't going to be able to open a file created in, and saved in, a version-7 format. Even Microsoft can't make their software forward compatible.

If that's the case, ask your friend to re-save the file in a format compatible with your older version of Word and resend.

 

Its somewhat academic now as I inadvertently deleted the incoming email and so can't test John B's suggestion. However, I recall that when I attempted to open it (using OE6 and Windows XP), I received a pop up window which asked me if I wanted to search for the appropriate application, and when I did, it said it was a MS Works application, file extension .wps with a link to MS's products page. I can't imagine it would have done that if my MS Office Word 97 was already compatible.


But, who knows... Thanks for your help.

 

My Office 97 sr2 can open .wps. I have the converters installed.

Open your word prog and click open and in the files of type drop down see if works .wps is listed. If it's not there you probably need to install the converters....

 

I see nothing that says Work or .wps....

How do I go about installing 'converters'......???????

 

Go to Control Panel/Add/Remove programs and select Microsoft Office 97 sp2. Click Add/Remove. Select modify installation and insert your Office 97 disk and select file converters and follow the instructions.

This is all from memory but I think it's right. You may also be able to simply put your disk in and select modify from the cd when it opens.

Let me know if this works....

 

To get the converters go to: This link at MS, select "Office" and "97/98" in the drop down boxes, check the box "Converters" and run update. It should give you an option to download the Office 97/98 converter package. I have'nt used it for a while but I think all the install instructions are in the download.

JohnB

 

I tried downloading the converters from the MS site but the download failed....reason given was either not enough disc space (which is impossible) or a 'corrupted' file.

I seem to recall than when I installed Office 97, I selected out some applications, thinking I'd never use them, and so this may be my problem. I'll borrow that Office 97 copy again and see if Bmoore's solution works. I may just uninstall 97 and re-install it completely.

I'll let you know.....in the meantime, thanks a million for all your help.

 

After a full install of Office Pro 97, and downloading the converter package, I can now open a Works Word 7 document in Office but the text is unreadable. I don't have a great working knowledge of this but it seems some progress has been made in that I can at least open it in Office, but am stumped as to why the text is not formatting into readable form.

As well, my Office program is now running very slowly....I've shut down and restarted a couple of times with no improvement. Is there a connection?

 

You may not have this feature installed.
Strange word does not tell you this.
However check there was a spot
where word would not accept some previous versions. I have 2000 and that
was corrected. Check the help for
compatability.