Dealing with Office 2007 files

PROBLEM:
I can't open a .docx or .docm file!

BACKGROUND:
Microsoft Word 2007 is using a new file extension, *.docx, as its default for new documents. This new format, along with *.docm, are incompatible with older versions of Microsoft Word.

SOLUTION:
If You are Trying to Open a *.docm or *.docx File:

There may be times when you must view a *.docx or *.docm file. If you are using Microsoft Office 2000, 2002 or 2003, you will need to install the Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack. Users of earlier versions of Microsoft Office cannot use the Compatibility Pack. If you are using an older version of Word, we recommend that you contact the author of the document and have them convert it into a different format (.doc or .pdf).

1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en
2. Download the Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack

You can read more about the Compatibility Pack at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100444731033.aspx

WHAT TO TELL THE STUDENTS WHO USE OFFICE 2007:
We recommend that you convert your *.docx and *.docm files into *.doc files. Here's how:

1. Open the file in Word 2007
2. Select File
3. Select Save As...
4. From the drop-down menu called File Type, select Word Document (*.doc)
5. Click Save

The file will be saved with an extension of doc and users of Microsoft Word 2000, 2002 and 2003 will be able to open it.