Due to a virus I had to reinstall programs but now I cannot read my documents. When I try to open them all they show nothing but squares and other symbols and a box pops up saying I need a converter. I have no idea what version of word I had originally, I got my computer in Fall 2005 and it came with Windows XP. After the virus windows xp was reintalled, the version of word it says I have now is 2002, and I have installed microsoft works 2005 also, and my doc.s wont open with either one. Can anyone tell me what converter I need or how to fix this problem? These documents are extremely valuable to me personally and I unfortunately have no other copies - which I know was a stupid move on my part. I am hoping I haven't lost them forever. Please help me!
2007-10-08 09:25:51 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Word 2002 should open most if not all Word documents, with exception of 2007 which I dont think you have.
If all else fail, try http://www.openoffice.org and download a free copy, this will at least allow you to read them first, you can then work out what you need to do later to solve your problems.
2007-10-08 09:29:34 · answer #1 · answered by Cupcake 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately you won't be able to read a document that was created with a future version of Word using an old version of Word. They aren't "backward" compatible.
Is there a way that you can get your hands on a copy of Word 2005? If not, do you have a friend or colleage who has a more current version of Word? You can usually open an older Word doc using a newer version of the software. You would be able to copy the older Word docs to your friends computer, then open them and "save as" the older version of Word that is on your computer (given that the differences aren't that great in coding.)
Does this make sense?
2007-10-08 09:33:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you don't have the font/ language installed you originally used, but I believe Word and most other programs would ask you to pick a substitute and or give you a link to get whatever you need. If it's simply a missing font, select all (CTRL A) and change the font to arial or times. If the document was written in Chinese, Arabic or another language that doesn't use ABC letters, you'll need the language pack from:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/HA011133501033.aspx
Best of luck!
2007-10-08 09:38:16 · answer #3 · answered by RSJR 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest way would be taking one of your document to a friend's computer who has a different version of word installed and try if you can open it there. Then get the version she has.
It could be possible that the virus damaged your documents, but that seems unlikely as they are still recognized by word as a word document.
2007-10-08 09:32:37 · answer #4 · answered by Ithilien 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have to reinstall windows xp. To keep you from having to buy another disk which can be a couple hundred. See if you can find one to borrow. You can use this program to get your key off of yours http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
Then you will have the same windows key you had on your computer. So it stays legal
If you need just an office program try openoffice its free
2007-10-08 09:35:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to try to go here...
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/CD102258581033.aspx
This is the MS Office downloads sight where you can get a free Word viewer. It would let you view, copy, and print Word documents for Word 2007 or older.
2007-10-08 10:00:05 · answer #6 · answered by TheDougmeister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft Works doesn't read .Doc. To open .doc , you will need either Microsoft Word or FREE Open Office (a free version of Microsoft Office but in different brand name) http://download.openoffice.org/2.3.0/index.html
Install and all your documents will be readable.
Don't forget to rate me as Best Answer!
2007-10-08 09:30:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2007-10-08 09:28:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
There is obviously wrong with the programme called Adobe acrobat. do a search for Adobe and download the latest version of acrobat reader, it won't cost you anything.
2016-05-19 01:14:36 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U can try opening word files with WORDPAD
2007-10-08 09:33:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋