Office XP Professional compatibility with Windows 7?

Petey7 · 18 Jul 2010

JonM33 said:

Petey7 said:

I use Office XP Professional. I've tried Open Office a few times, but always go back to Office XP. I find it easier to use and think that it just works better. I have a few friends and family that feel the same way when it comes to Office XP vs. Open Office. Ultimately it is up to you, but I thought I'd just give my opinion.

The main thing to watch out for is that Open Office does not save files as MS Office files by default. It uses a different format, which can not be opened by MS Office. You can still save it as an MS Office file, but you have to click save as every time.

Office XP isn't free. If they were charged for each install of Office XP then they would think twice.

Um. Since when would anyone be charged for each time they installed office on the same or a new computer? The OP said he had the install disc, so I don't really see what kind of point you are trying to make.

DeaconFrost · 19 Jul 2010

I posted this advice in your other thread, so I'll repeat it here because I agree with JonM33. If all you have access to is an Office suite from 9-10 years ago, switch to Open Office, if you don't have or can't buy a newer Office version. It will be as compatible, if not moreso with new Office files. For example, I don't believe Office XP has converters to open the new Office 2007/2010 formats. Open Office will be more compatible, and can easily be made to save files in the MS Office format. It is free, and continues to get any updates and patches, unlike Office XP.

If you really aren't sure, download the portable version of Open Office and give it a shot.

Petey7 · 19 Jul 2010

DeaconFrost said:

For example, I don't believe Office XP has converters to open the new Office 2007/2010 formats.

You are wrong. I can open .docx and other new Office files just fine with Office XP. You have to download a compatibility pack from MS, but Windows Update installed it for this last time. So, there is no real reason not to use it.

Edit: here is the link to the compatibility pack if any one needs it http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

DeaconFrost · 19 Jul 2010

It may exist, but I wouldn't hold much faith in it, to be honest. My company uses Office 2007, and we've had MANY problems sending documents to schools around our section of the country, and even with those converters, they can't seem to open or print them accurately. Excel's converter seems to be the worst offender. I test all those same files in a Windows XP VM running Open Office, and they open just fine.

Besides, I said I don't believe...not that I was 100% certain. For the benefit of all, let's keep it cordial...without the snippiness?

Petey7 · 19 Jul 2010

I've never had a problem, but will say I don't use Excel much so I can't speak for that program. I have downloaded many files from my schools website that were in the new file formats and opened them in Office XP with no problem.

Also, this is just my opinion, but I can't stand Excel XP. The 2007/2010 and Open Office versions are all better than it, so if Excel is something you use a lot, Open Office is a better option.

pacinitaly · 27 Sep 2010

Petey7 said:

DeaconFrost said:

For example, I don't believe Office XP has converters to open the new Office 2007/2010 formats.

You are wrong. I can open .docx and other new Office files just fine with Office XP. You have to download a compatibility pack from MS, but Windows Update installed it for this last time. So, there is no real reason not to use it.

Edit: here is the link to the compatibility pack if any one needs it Download details: Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint File Formats

thanks for this

jfroberts · 22 Jun 2011

I'm trying to install Office XP Professional on my new win 7, 64 bit machine. I need the old version because I sync it to my watch which acts like a PDA. It installs properly and I can set up an email account. It tests good. However, when I try to send/receive anything, I get an error message "An object can not be found".
Anybody know what that means? Is there some kind of incompatibility with Win 7?
Remember, test email during email account set up works just fine. ? ? ?