Paul writes:
My trial version of Microsoft Word 10 is expiring. Is there a way to convert these files into an earlier version, say Word 2003?
You’re in luck Paul, Word 2010 will allow you to save your documents in a variety of formats. Open the document you wish to save.
Select the File tab on the far left.
You’ll see this ribbon with a list of options for saving files.
Select Save As.
This window will open.
Just beneath File Name, you’ll see the option to Save as Type.
Choose the drop-down arrow to the far right.
You’ll see a list of options, including Word 97 -2003 document.
You’ll also see the option to save as Plain Text. That’s not a bad idea to have as a backup, since a text document will open in a variety of programs.
It’s helpful to be aware of the other options offered here, such as PDF and Works, which can come in handy if you’re sharing a document with someone who can only use certain formats.
~ Cynthia
Yes, you can use SAVE AS to change the file format. But you don’t have to. If you have Office 2000-2003 you can install the “Office 2007 Compatibility Pack”. This will allow those menu related versions of Office to open, edit and save the new “x-file” formats used by Office 2007-2013
MS OFFICE 2007 COMPATIBILITY / 2010 COMPATIBILITY PACK FOR OFFICE 2000 THRU 2003
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470%2D3AE9%2D4AEE%2D8F43%2DC6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en
ISSUES THAT YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IF THE COMPUTER IS NOT FULLY WINDOWS UPDATED TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE OFFICE OPEN XML FORMATS
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/924074