Convert/Open MS Office 2007 file formats

With the launch of Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft has introduced new file extensions for example "xlsx", "docx", etc. This has created a division in the people who are using the new version and the ones who still prefer MS Office 2003.

Personally, I still use MS Office 2003 because it uses less system resources. It is particularly a good idea to use this old version in laptops where it is very easy to run low on system resources. The question that arises now is what to do when someone sends you a file created in MS Office 2007. This thought was at the back of my mind and I knew eventually someone would send me these new extension files that I will not be able to open.

Thankfully, Microsoft has provided a solution for this with Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats. You can visit this link on Microsoft's site and download the file.

This component (once installed and after the Microsoft's fashionable system restart) will register the new extensions on your system. Now you will be able to open the "xlsx", "docx", etc files in your MS Office 2003. It is a 27.5 MB download though. But in my opinion, it is worth the effort as sooner or later you are bound to encounter a file created in MS Office 2007. This component not only enables you to open the new file formats, but you will also be able to edit, save and create documents in new file formats using the MS Office versions older than 2007.

You can also opt for online file converters such as docx2doc.com or zamzar.com. You will have to upload your file on their site and they will convert it to the older version and email you the file. I, however, prefer the converter that installs on your system.