How to Convert Word 2003 to Word 2007

Question

This is URGENT. I am starting an online college course on Monday and will be required to load and use Microsoft 2007. My computer is Windows XP Media Center, loaded with M/Office 2003, which I plan to uninstall before installing MS 2007. I have copied all my MS Word 2003 .doc files to CD and am hoping that once I have installed MS 2007 I will be able to load these back onto the computer and be able to convert them to MS Word 2007. My question is, 1) is it best and safe to uninstall M/Office 2003 before loading MS 2007, 2) will I be able to convert the 2003 Word docs to 2007 Word once MS 2007 has been installed. I am not very tech savvy and hate to do anything technical and complicated with my computer in case I mess it up. Anyone, PLEASE advise the best way to go about this, thank you.

Message Edited by gsparky124 on 01-06-2008 12:33 AM

fireberd · Answer

First, it's probably best to uninstall Office 2003 first and then restart Windows BEFORE installing Office 2007 (and don't skip the restart as it's important).    Second, you will be able to either open or import the .doc files into Word 2007.  Open each of your word files then save them as the new 2007 format.    Save the CD with the 2003 files on them for backup.

gsparky124 · Answer

Thank you for the response.  How detrimental is it if I do not restart after the uninstall?

Mary G · Answer

It's good to backup your documents, however uninstalling 2003 and installing Office 2007 will not touch your document folder or any other personal files. You don't need to import anything. Just open the documents in Office 2007.

fireberd · Answer

To answer the uninstal/restart question.  Anytime you uninstall a program - any program, to either reinstall it or install a newer version if you don't restart first potentially some part of that old program may be left on the computer after uninstall.  When you uninstall then restart whatever potential fragments that were left are removed.

gsparky124 · Answer

Thanks Mary.  I realized after installing MS 07 and opening Word that all my docs were still there.  All I'm doing is converting and saving them as I use them.  Thanks.

gsparky124 · Answer

Thanks again for your help, will keep the info on programs for future reference.

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How to Convert Word 2003 to Word 2007

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