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new MS Word or other?

18 years ago

Our MS Word has been fine for our use, but now emailed files are unreadable on the other end (files seems corrupted somehow). Any ideas what to do? I do have the original disks.

I'm thinking of upgrading to MS Word 2007, but with 3 computers at home (2 desktops + one laptop that has Word 2000 or so, so that's fine), not sure if I would have to buy at least 2 copies or what (costly). If so, I would buy the cheaper student edition (kids at home). Would I still have to buy a copy for each computer, or does a license allow a copy onto at least two computers?

Alternatively, I do have Openoffice on one of the desktops. Thinking of installing that on all computers, but haven't used it enough to know if it's the right solution, since it would probably be a good idea to have at least one copy of Word for the kids (7th and 8th graders).

Thoughts? Anybody using Openoffice and find it perfectly suitable for regularly swapping files with Word (back and forth, like between folks that do use Word?)

Thanks.

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Comments (6)

jerry_nj
18 years ago
If you are using word non-commercial, i.e., personal/student use, you can get a copy of Office2007 (without Outlook) for under $129, and it can be used on up to three computers. Now if you need for commercial uses, the cost is much, much higher.

Open Office is, of course, free for any use.

Also, the output of Word 2007 is not compatible with older versions unless you save as ".doc" Word 2007 uses a new extension ".docx" to clearly show it isn't in ".doc" format. The new format is much more efficient on space and perhaps more powerful, I don't know all the reason for the change.
DA_Mccoy
18 years ago
I use Word at work and Open Office at home. I have never had a concern with transporting between the two locations. For my use I really don't see any deep difference, just cosmetic. I regularly recommend it.

DA
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maryanntx
18 years ago
Try downloading the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats. I had to do that at work to read files created with Word 2007.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
18 years ago
well if we look at your actual problem it may be that all you need to do is uninstall your copy you currently have on there now and then do a reinstall from your discs which you have. It could be that something simply got corrupted and a fresh install will fix it right back to how it should be. That would be my first try before buying something else.
I use Open Office on all my linux comuters and have Office Professional (not 2007!) on my xp computers, I have had no problems between the 2, you do have the options with Open Office as to which type of file format you want to save in.

I would first definitely try to find out just what the problem is with what is on there now before going on. Is it only emailed files is it only to one email is it to all files is it to all emails etc are files not emailed ok?
homebound
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks to everyone for the responses. That Word 2007 "student ed." is usable on up to 3 computers is a good piece info.

ravencagun,
Yes, it's a problem with emailed files to any/all users. As you suggest, I think I will uninstall/reinstall.
elints
18 years ago
Give Open Office a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

http://openoffice.2008-suite.com/index.asp?aff=007&camp=gg_office_us&se=google&gclid=CIDCsrrvzJICFQInlgod5lCHIA

It's free so your only risk is your time.

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