Office 2003 Upgrade

Im not sure if this is the best forum but as I'm running XP it seems a good place to start!

I'm currently running the Works v7 suite.

I have finally decided to upgrade to MS Office 2003 and so I've purchased the Office Standard Edition upgrade.

When I install this is it reasonable to assume that my current setup for Word 2002, (part of the Works v7 suite), will be preserved when it is upgraded to Word 2003?

I am also currently running Outlook Express 6. Will the MS Office upgrade allow this to continue or will it be upgraded to the full-blown Outlook setup? I'm assuming that it would be better in any case to change from Outlook Express to Outlook, my main concern is that the existing account details can be transferred with minimum effort on my part.

Finally, are there any general issues which I need to be aware of before I implement the upgrade?

Thanks for any advice, it will be much appreciated.

 

A contrary view on Outlook vs. Outlook Express - I was happily using OE in preference to Outlook in earlier versions. Had Outlook but simply perferred OE.

Upgraded to 2003 and decided to give Outlook another try. No way I'd ever want to go back to OE again.

The 2003 update will not do anything to OE but importing all your OE stuff will be fairly simple if you decide to do that. You might just want to set Outlook up where it works and use it for a few days before you decide about importing though. Just because I love it does not mean that anyone else will.

 

If you check the complete install or "run from my computer" (I think) which is the preferred setup of Office 2003, then Outlook 2003 will be available on your desktop and/or through the start/programs/microsoft office link. You will need to set it up manually though. Most of the settings will be similar as for OE. If your not sure, I would have your ISP go through the setup for you. I'd suggest setting the option to automatically check for mail (when Outlook is running and/or minimized) every 15 minutes or so. OE also has this option. This is handy as a "keep session alive" tweak for dialup connections that may otherwise timeout after 20 minutes or so of inactivity. You can check a box to make one of these mail clients the default one. I suggest Outlook is far superior, so select this one. If you wish you can still check for and send mail from OE as well. They both will cohabitat on your PC.

 

Thanks for the advice. The upgrade went like a dream. The information you all provided was most helpful!