Downloading new Version

[lobsterbay]

Welcome beginner. Please answer all of the questions below which may provide information necessary to answer your question.
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Which version of OpenOffice.org are you using? 2.0
What Operating System (version) are you using? Windows XP
What is your question or comment?

I am trying to change a list currently on open office 2.0 to an alphabetic listing. When I go to "tools" and down to "sort", the "sort" button is inactive.
1)Perhaps I need a newer version of open office.
2)In this case, if I download Open Office 2-3 will my existing files in 2.0 be saved?

Thank you, Dennis

[Villeroy]

You have to select the entire list you want to sort.

[foxcole]

1)Perhaps I need a newer version of open office.

I recommend keeping OOo up-to-date, because the newer versions fix bugs and add functionality over old versions.

2)In this case, if I download Open Office 2-3 will my existing files in 2.0 be saved?

The version of OOo you have has nothing to do with whether your files will be saved... but I think that's not what you're asking. You want to know if the files created in older versions will still work in the new one and the answer is yes. Also, installing a newer version of OOo will retain your user settings, so, for example, if you've docked toolbars in a configuration you like, they'll still be that way after you upgrade.

[nuppas]

An even more basic issue: I cannot find anything anywhere on what to do with the existing version? My guess is to do nothing, and install the new version on top of the existing version?

[Dave]

An even more basic issue: I cannot find anything anywhere on what to do with the existing version? My guess is to do nothing, and install the new version on top of the existing version?

1. Your "existing files" will be your "existing documents"? You will have saved those quite separately from the program files, so there is no reason to assume that they would be lost ...You MUST know where you saved them, of course.

2. Yes. First remove the older version, then install the newer version. That is a common practice with any software, especially in operating systems that scatter information around and about, as in the Windows registry and so on. You must rely upon the software developer to have written in an uninstall program that will release all of the installed materials [which they do not in fact do generally in practice.] Still, do that, and you will have fewer problems than otherwise.

Your questions indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of how the computer works in general [e.g. program files vs data files, how programs are installed etc.] I'd suggest taking a few basic courses or reading up a little in the local library.

David.

[Phil]

First remove the older version, then install the newer version. That is a common practice with any software,

This may apply to most software, but not to all.
Indeed there is software that needs uninstalling. This is especially the case for software based on older installers. Many users still have that behavior in mind.
Also, the installation of multiple versions in parallel may be possible.

Edit: Information about that can be found in the OOo Wiki article Run OOo versions parallel.

Indeed, it may be a good idea to include such information in the Installation Instructions, which would BTW profit from an update anyway.

KR, phil

[foxcole]

My guess is to do nothing, and install the new version on top of the existing version?

Right, it is not necessary to uninstall your current version of OpenOffice.org before installing the new one. OpenOffice.org installs neatly over the old version.