Windows 7: Word 2007 - Works converter appears to be broken by latest updates

Until recently I've been able to open old MS Works (.wps) files in Word 2007, but since installing the latest Windows updates on 11 April I now get a message saying that I need a newer version of the conversion tool, with a link to go and download it.

I tried this, but the only file I can find is dated 2007. I tried installing it anyway, but it makes no difference. I've also tried re-enabling the feature through the Control Panel, but it still makes no difference.

The latest Windows updates included a security update for this tool, and I'm guessing that is what caused the problem. Does anyone have a solution, please, or will I have to wait for MS to notice the problem and hopefully produce a patch?

akpak,

Well, other than attempting to uninstall the update or attempting to repair MS word, you might try installing libre office if you are desperate to open these documents. I can only wonder why you haven't saved the documents under the word file format though, or why you would have MS works files but not the MS works program.

On my previous computer I had MS Works but not Word, and on my current one I have Word but not Works. I have been gradually converting files to Word format as time permits, but there are still some outstanding. I do still have MS Works on an old laptop, and it seems I can get round the problem by opening the files on that in Works, saving in either Word 97-2003 (.doc) or .rtf format, and then opening the resulting file in Word and resaving as .docx.

But it would be much easier if I could do what I used to do and open the .wps files in Word and convert them directly. And obviously, if MS had informed me that by installing this update I was going to lose functionality, I would have either delayed installing it or converted all the files first. (Incidentally, the Works converter in Word has been broken by the update on the XP laptop as well.)

Yea, I can see how that is a problem. Since MS works is defunct, perhaps MS doesn't take it into account any longer. I can imagine MS blocking Word from opening a file type no longer in use in case it becomes a loophole with which hackers can gain access to your system through a downloaded file. Soon MS won't be supporting WinXP either (2 yrs from now), so it may be wise to begin preparing now for what will come.

Good luck in converting all those files, akpak. I personally wish MS had included a converting file type in the context menu of the file, which would make it so much easier.