Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Information

Microsoft Office 2007 has introduced new file formats for Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. These formats are incompatible with previous versions of Office. A few examples of the new Open XML file extensions are .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.

These new formats cannot be submitted through Safe Assignment. At this time, the older file formats must be used. The new file formats are now accepted by the Digital Dropbox. Also, when submitting files to the Digital Dropbox or to Safe Assignment, the filename should not contain any spaces or special characters.

To minimize incompatibility problems, we strongly recommend that Office 2007 users use the old formats as the default when saving files. This option is already set up on most University installations. To do this in Word 2007 (for example), click on the Office Button in the upper left corner of the window, and then click on Word Options and Save. Use the down-arrow next to Save files in this format to choose Word 97 – 2003 Document (*.doc). Click OK when finished.

To learn more about Microsoft Office, Blackboard, and many other programs, log in to Atomic Learning at www.AtomicLearning.com/highed to take advantage of over 30,000 quick online tutorials covering over 110 common software applications. This resource is available to FHSU faculty, staff, and students 24 hours a day. Use fhsu as the username and tigers as the password to access the site.

Other options for dealing with Office 2007 incompatibility problems:

- Office 2007 users can save individual files using the old formats. This can be done by clicking on the Office Button in the upper left corner of the window and choosing Save As. You can then select the desired file format from a list.

- Users of older versions of Office for Windows (2000, XP/2002, and 2003) can install a Compatibility Pack that will allow them to read, edit, and create the new Office 2007 file types. The Compatibility Pack can also be used in conjunction with Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003, Excel Viewer 2003, and PowerPoint Viewer 2003 to view files saved in these new formats.

Before installing the Compatibility Pack, you should install all current high-priority Windows updates. To check for updates, open Internet Explorer and click on Tools and then Windows Update.

Windows users can download the Compatibility Pack at: www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&DisplayLang=en

- Macintosh users can download an Open Office XML converter at:
www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32498

- Information regarding Office 2007 file type incompatibility issues and error messages can be found at: support.microsoft.com/kb/924074

 - Depending on your situation, you may want to consider upgrading to Office 2007. FHSU Faculty and staff can request an upgrade for a University computer by submitting a CTC Request for Services. Currently employed faculty and staff who are covered under FHSU's Work at Home license agreement with Microsoft can purchase a copy for home use through the online Software Center; details are located at www.fhsu.edu/ctc/helpdesk/software_center.shtml.