Windows 7 - 2000 Backwards Compatibility

Yeah, I'm running Office 2000 (Pro) .

I'm currently running Windows XP but am planning to upgrade (with a new computer) to Windows 7 this year. My big problem is whether or not my Office will work. I have seen for myself that it works in Vista, but Microsoft's database says that Office 2000 doesn't work in 7.

Two questions:

a) Will it work in XP Compatibility mode?
b) If not, will it work with Windows XP Mode?

Thanks,
Wasila

Not sure who is having a problem with MS Office 2000 in Win 7, albeit I have been using it with my laptop which is running on Win 7 32 bit.

A) yes
B) yes

After reading your post I loaded up Office 2000 into XP mode and it worked just fine. Also, loaded up in VMware's Workstation running XP and it worked without any problems.

Hope this helps, and BTW "Welcome to the Seven Forums."

Now if you can still download MS Office 2010 beta I would recommend that you do, and test it out, it is an excellent upgrade to 2007, 2003, and 2000. There is a compatibility mode so you can convert either forward or backwards.

Thanks for the welcome .

I wasn't aware that anyone used Office 200 other than me! I have used 2007 extensively on other computers and am in love - unfortunately the price tag is getting between me and my bride :P.

Just to confirm, by XP Compatibility mode I meant just right clicking on the file, going to properties and changing the settings, and opening it? (I might be getting Home Premium, so no XP Mode) If so, that's great! But I've been looking at my potential new computer and it seems to only come with Windows 7 64-bit. Do your answers still apply?

Thanks alot,
Wasila

Yes, I am running Windows 7 x64 on an iMac 27" (boot camped - dual boot) with VMware Workstation. In the VM at present is XP running MS Office 2000, and XPM (XP Mode) running Office 2000. In Windows 7 at present I am testing Office 2010 beta x64. All version are running smoothly

Nono, I mean does Office 2000 work in native 7? With just the compatibility mode you apply in properties (or even not at all)?

Also what is VMWare Workstation? Does it cost?

Thanks,
Wasila

Wasila, look into OpenOffice (OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite) It's FREE, is VERY similar to the Office 2000/2003 in appearance and overall functionality and is 100% compatible with Microsoft Office formats (including the new XML versions, xlsx and docx), in some cases OpenOffice can open Office 2000 docs that even Office 2000 can't, I've used it to recover Excel sheets that were corrupt according to Excel by opening them in OO and re-saving.

I have Office 2000 running OK in Windows 7 64-bit - in addition to the 2007 versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint..
- the newer installation merged seamlessly with the earlier version and all runs perfectly..

- particular favourite of mine is Office 2000's Microsoft PhotoDraw v2, use it a lot - it's quick, easy and always comes up trumps..
- any finely detailed stuff I work in CorelDraw, but the MS2000 suite is just dandy for quick stuff..

- there may be some compaibility issues with 2007, but there's a pack available from MS that sorts out most problems..

NB. I think MS are dropping support for Office2000 sometime in the near future, so get yours up to date while the files are still available..

- good luck!

Thanks BugMeister - the sort of reassuring advice I needed .

OpenOffice is very interesting and I actually have it installed on my computer, however I don't use it much. Unfortunately for them, the new interface in 2007 makes it look light years ahead...

Thanks,
Wasila

Considering you're used to Office 2000 and aren't really willing to shell out for the new suite how does the look of 2007 matter compared to OO? I'm using Office 2007, I'd be using OO at home if I hadn't gotten Office 2007 (Enterprise, EVERYTHING) for a steal through an EUP program through work. I agree that the look in 2007 is more refined, wait till you see Office 2010, I'm using the RC at work for testing, it's nicer than 2007.

I did read online that one of the only compatibility issues is with outlook 2000 in that your user profile might get "forgotten" by the computer. I haven't tested this but it seems to prevail online.

I would suggest you get the office 2010 beta. In my opinion, openoffice is horrible....The interface looks decades older and it really is a last resort for me, after office and microsoft works.