[Solved] Can I change files back to Microsoft Word format?

[Windmaker]

I just downloaded and installed a newer version of OpenOffice.org (2.3) and I do recall the installation process asking me if I wanted to convert my Microsoft Word (formatted) files to OpenOffice write , and I did select "yes". I've since learned that was not such a good idea in that it takes a much longer time for some of my files to be opened, and I also preferred the original format for other reasons.

Is it possible to convert select or all files back to MS Word format, or is it too late now?

[Hagar Delest]

During the installation, OOo asks you if the file association for MS Office formats has to be changed so that they're opened with OOo. But it doesn't ask you to convert them. It can be done but with a wizard that you've to launch yourself (not automatic).

Look at your files, they should still have the .doc extension. If your file browser doesn't show the extensions, you should change its settings (at least for security reasons).

Thanks to add '[Solved]' in your first post title (edit button) if your issue has been fixed.

[Bill]

How to change which program starts when you double-click a file in Windows XP

[Windmaker]

To: Hagar de L'Est

Sorry for the delay in getting back, but part of it is due to my waiting for an email that I had received replies.....none ever came even though I'm signed up for it....?

The only documents with extensions that I have are in the "My Documents" files, and they are no longer ".doc files. They are mostly all RTF files now (rich text files). That was the "conversion" I was referring to...all my document files were changed. I do not see anything in your comments on how to change them back. The only "change" options I see available now are to 1.text files, 2. Rich text files, or 3. HTML doc files. [I copied and pasted the following: "By default, OpenOffice.org loads and saves files in the OpenDocument file format (.odt - for open document text). I also found this: In the General section, you can select default settings for saving documents, and can select default file formats.
To access this command...
Choose Tools - Options - Load/Save - General

The above does apparently allow the user to set how future files will be saved, and Microsoft Word 97, 2000, XP is an option that I've now selected. But that still does not address (I don't think) how to change all my existing document files that were changed during the installation upgrade to OO 2.3. I don't even know if that's possible.

Thanks for the help, Hagar

Please see my reply to Bill also.

[Windmaker]

To Bill:

I followed your instructions and changed a couple text files I keep on tab in my quick launch area back to being opened by note pad rather than open office. That took care of the time delay waiting for OOo to open the file which took much, much longer.

At first it would only save the file as a txt file, no matter which font or size I selected. But I went to the Word Pad format tab and changed the text format in that manner and the new format would now save also.

I have since learned since replying to Hagar above earlier tonight that I can change my default OOo files as MS Word 97/2000/XP text files, but I don't think that will change back all the files that were altered during the installation of the OOo 2.3 upr]grade. Am I wrong in thinking I will have to alter all those files individually, or is there a way to change all of them at once?

Thanks for your input Bill...you've been very helpful and I appreciate it. Dick Hannam

[floris v]

You will have to load each file and save it in the format you want. It is certainly possible to write a program to do that automatically, but it would take more time to write than to do it manually.

[Hagar Delest]

I do recall the installation process asking me if I wanted to convert my Microsoft Word (formatted) files to OpenOffice write

Where have you downloaded your OOo version ? I've never seen that feature.

[Windmaker]

To Hagar:

I downloaded/saved the OOo 2.3 software (Upgrade for me) on Sep. 10, 2007 to one of my download files. Please don't hold me precisely to such words as "convert". I just recall that the installation process at some point asked me if I wanted to change file types and I said "yes" without giving it the appropriate thoughtfulness.

If I can be of further help, let me know Hagar.

[Bill]

To Hagar:

I downloaded/saved the OOo 2.3 software (Upgrade for me) on Sep. 10, 2007 to one of my download files. Please don't hold me precisely to such words as "convert". I just recall that the installation process at some point asked me if I wanted to change file types and I said "yes" without giving it the appropriate thoughtfulness.

If I can be of further help, let me know Hagar.

There is no installation option to "convert" or "change" any of the user's documents. There is an option to set OpenOffice.org 2.3 as the default application to open MS Word Documents, MS Excel Spreadsheets and MS PowerPoint Presentations, but this option does not change the documents themselves. The icon for the document is changed, but that's an indicator of the application used to open the document, not an indicator of the document format.

[Windmaker]

To Hagar:

I will accept your assertions as correct. Please forgive me if I misinterpreted the instructions and provided misinformation during my inquiry. I am a 65 year
old "F-rt" and am thankful I can even use a computer at all

Windmaker

[foxcole]

The only documents with extensions that I have are in the "My Documents" files

All files have file extensions. The operating system requires them in order to know what to use for working with the file (what fonts to load, what program to open it with). Sounds like you need to set your system to be able to see the file extensions.

Open Windows Explorer, or open any folder that's handy. Choose Tools> Folder options and click the View tab. Scroll down a bit and find the option "Hide extensions for known file types." Make sure it's not selected; I believe it is selected by default. Disabling this allows you to see the file extensions, so you know at a glance what file format a document is in.

If you click the "Apply to all folders" button, the settings you have in the current folder will carry across all folders on yours system. If you want different view settings (if you want the folder contents to display as a list, or thumbnails, or details, or whatever) in different folders, you might not want to apply to all folders, but then you'd also need to remember to set the view options in each folder you use.

[Windmaker]

Thanks Fox.....I appreciate your taking the time to help in educating me.

Cheers to you as well..

Windmaker

[Flaxthejute]

Hi,

If you have inadvertantly changed some of your documents, then the document converter here http://www.ooomacros.org/user.php#95532 should help you get them back...

Flax

[Windmaker]

To Flax:

Thanks so much for your software reference. That's exactly what I was looking for. Although I had to lower my macro security setting down to "low" to get it's macros to work , I can always reset them to higher protection and just lower them for this program use.

May someone also bring you some good cheer this holiday.... Windmaker

[Hagar Delest]

Could you tell us why you said that the file type had been changed ? Did you rely on the file icon ? or the file extension (.doc / .rtf / .odt / ...) ?
It could help to know why you've been led to believe that the file type had been changed.

[Windmaker]

To Hagar:

The first change was that word pad no longer immediately opened the file. I had to wait for OO0 program to load up entirely before the document appeared.
The second factor was that the format had changed from the previous size and type of font. Both indicated to me that the file type had changed without yet seeing the extension or the icon. When I tried to change the format back to the original it would not save either.....the file would save to basic text only.

I hope that answers your question(s)....if not, let me know.

Thanks, Windbreaker