Word in XP not readable in Word 2000

Question

Is there anyway I can open a document saved in Word 2003 be viewed in Word 2000?  We have scanned tons of pictures and saved them in Word 2003 and cannot view them on our older computers with Win 98.  Anyone else have that problem?  Any fixes?   Thanks

Mary G · Answer

Word is not a good place to store pictures. Use a photo editor like the one included in Office to save pictures as jpg files that can be viewed easily. You can view 2003 text documents in older versions, but you lose the pictures and advanced formatting.

ljboz · Answer

We can't get the picture to come up in older versions..So we have to update Word to be able to see? We have hundreds already saved in Word 2003. There is no conversion software or tool I don't know about? Thank you for the help.

Linda

fireberd · Answer

You should seriously consider what is recommended by Mary G.

Pictures should be saved as picture file, such as jpg, gif, bmp, etc. With a standard picture format they can be transported to any PC, and not just one that has MSWord or any specific program.

Although this doesn't "fix" your current problem, you should consider saving the pictures you have in Word as "pictures". And, consider modifying your current procedures and save any new pictures as a standard picture format, such as jpg (or for high resolution pictures as bmp).

abach · Answer

Have you tried using the Word 2003 viewer? It is available for download << here >>

ljboz · Answer

I tried Word 2003 viewer and it would not load on my old WIN98 version.  I am on a land line and it took forever to download and then would not load!  What a pain.   Thanks

abach · Answer

I understand. When you look at any Office download, always check the system requirements. It states that Windows 2000 or XP is required for this viewer.

Office 2003 will not load on Windows 98, so that leaves out the possibility of upgrading. Do you know anyone who has Office 2003?

ljboz · Answer

Thank you for the info...I tried the disable after Word 97 thing and it did not help.  The documents come up, but the image is a red x.  All we need is to open the documents with the images and print from WIN 98.   Thanks for all your help, Linda

ljboz · Answer

Four of our networked computers have Office 2003 and the rest have WIN98 and Office 2000.  We would have to get newer computers with XP to upgrade right?   Thanks, Linda

abach · Answer

Have you opened your documents in 2003, then saved them as an earlier version? When you choose File Save As in Word, click the Tools dropdown and choose Save Options. Then place a check mark in the 'Disable features introduced after Word 97'. This may allow the opening of these documents in Word 2000..    Also, you may have to upgrade to install Windows XP. It depends on the PC configuration.

abach · Answer

Have you tired saving as a Web page? This will open in Internet Explorer and should allow the printing of the pages.

VBdotNet · Answer

Many companies - regardless of the version of Office that they are using (ie: 2000/XP/2003) - have settled on the Office 97 format as it is the most globally accepted format. Click on Tools -> Options, Save tab - and change the default format to:

Word 97-2003 & 6.0/95 - RTF (*.doc)

If you have the other MS Office programs, you will need to change the default format in each one.

You can always override the default format when working on a document clicking on: File -> Save As

Productivity Software

Word in XP not readable in Word 2000

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