Save in 97-2003 Format

Microsoft Office 2007 is a major upgrade to the office suite. Word and other programs in the suite will use new XML document formats.  

Word 2007 saves files in the new default .docx format, which is different from the .doc format used in Word 97-2003.

The new document format in Word 2007 can cause difficulties when it comes time to open, to read or to share your documents electronically if viewers do not have Office 2007. Problems will also occur if you upload XML format to your BlackBoard space.

So, if you upgrade to Word 2007, you should consider changing the save settings. You can save your documents in a format that is compatible with earlier versions of Word. That way, you won’t have any problems sharing documents.

I will use Word 2007, as a model; however, the same applies to PowerPoint, Excel, Access, etc.

Click the Office button / Word Options / Save As

Select Word 97-2003 Document

You may get a warning that saving in the older file format will cause certain features to be lost or modified.

Are there other options?

The best option is to save in .pdf format. This will retain all Office 2007 features.
Saving in .pdf format is not recommended if you intend to share documents.

Check to see if you have pdf995 in your programs section. Some of the computers had that program.
Search the web for a free .pdf program. There are many available.
If you are on campus, you cannot download any programs to your computer. Download the freeware to your home computer.

Most of the freshmen have Office 2007 on their laptop. If they will be e-mailing you a document make sure you tell them to save in Office 97-2003 format.

Created:  July 05, 2012

Sr. Arlene Callahan
Training Manager
Rivier University
Nashua, NH 03060

E-mail: acallahan@rivier.edu