Apache OpenOffice Community Forum

Hi,

is it possible to set writer up so that it uses microsoft word format automatically?

so i don't have to keep changing the 'Save As' or 'Open As' option EVERY time.

I have tried this in Microsoft works but it insits that its own format is the defaul and i have to change it every time.

if Open Office can just accept that word format is the default then i can ditch Works.

Thanks

Tools>Options>OpenOffice.org>Load/save>General>Default file format

Thanks.

have now installed v2.3 and it works brilliantly

thanks again

OPEN OFFICE V 2.3.1

I have just been getting the feel of Write.

in the Load/Save options there is a Always Save as box, which i have set to Microsoft Word 97/2000/xp

but there is no such option for open.

if i click the open button it defaults to *.* all files.

is there a way to limit it to just look for word docs?

thanks

The files you open are opened "as is". If you want to change document type A to type B, you open A and save as B.

I am just setting this up for my wife.

She would like to see JUST the word documents in the folder - not cluttered up with files of other types, just as you can in Microsoft Word.

She only wants to work with MS Word Types documents. as she brings work home that is in Word Format.

I guess is't not too big a deal but i am trying to make it look and feel as much like Microsoft Word as possible.

She uses MS word at the office.

thanks for the info.

hgilbo wrote:I guess is't not too big a deal but i am trying to make it look and feel as much like Microsoft Word as possible.

She should do what I showed my wife to do: Keep all the docs in a dedicated folder with no other types of files in that folder. A LONG time back I started naming folders simply. Naming one as "1" puts it at the top of the list in the drop-down listing of HD contents. I know what it's for, since I put it there, and there's easy access, and no confusion. Another alternative some people use is a folder on the desktop. My wife and I each have one under our name. How you organise your files is a personal matter.

Suggestion re program comparisons: Do what you would if your last car was automatic and your new one is standard shift, your old one was costly and your new one was free. Learn how to drive it, or accept alternative problems.

David.

I agree with Dave. File organization and management is the best route. Good habits in this respect lead to reliability of backups (you know you're backing up all the correct files) and consistency from session to session. It's easier, for example, to track and compare file versions when you know they're always in the right location and you don't have any rogue files saved off somewhere else.

It's unfortunate for her that the "Files of type" selection on the Open dialog doesn't persist (though I personally wouldn't want it to), but if there's a need to see just Word documents when she goes to open a file, she could select it from that list. She wouldn't have to, though, if she has a directory dedicated to Word files. OOo will remember the last file location and she of course would always see only Word docs there.

Thanks for the replies.

i will get her to use seperate folders.

just a pity there isn't a filter option on th eopen screen.

but it's minor.

its a nice suite of software.

thanks again

Note that in the Open dialog, you can select the file type with the dedicated drop-down list. OK, 2 clicks and a mouse wheel scroll away but it can help sometimes.

NB: I tag the thread as solved, change it if you disagree.

hgilbo wrote:just a pity there isn't a filter option on th eopen screen.

Well, there is a filter... the Files of Type drop-down list (middle ddl of three on that dialog)... but it doesn't stay set from Open to Open so she'd have to choose the Word format each time. Organization is shorter and easier to use in the long run.

If your question is resolved, please edit your original post (Edit button, top right corner) and add [Solved] to the subject line.