Problems With Docx Files
Files with the extension ".docx" are documents created by Microsoft Word and meant to be more accessible due to data being stored in separate files and folders. However, the files cannot be opened using a version of Microsoft Word that was released before 2007.
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Identification
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You can identify ".docx" files by the file extension used in the file name. When a file is saved with an edition of Microsoft Word that was released before 2007, the file extension would read ".doc" at the end of the file name. Microsoft 2007 and newer editions save files with the extension ".docx" attached to them.
Benefits
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Files with the ".docx" extension store data as separate files and folders in a compressed zip package, separating the text and pictures in the document and in turn making the document more accessible. Older ".doc" extensions are saved as single binary files.
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Problems
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If a ".docx" file is opened in a Microsoft Word program that was released prior to 2007, the document will be comprised of unreadable code. As well, if you manage to convert the ".docx" file to ".doc," the result may not be identical to the original document. You may lose the layout or some graphics that were included in the file.
Solution
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If you wish to open a ".docx" file and don't have Microsoft Word 2007 or newer, Microsoft offers a downloadable patch that you can install on your computer. The patch allows older versions of Microsoft Word to view the document. There are also websites that will convert the file to ".doc" free of charge. Another way you can view ".docx" files is by viewing them online. These services allow you to view the contents of a document regardless of the file extension.
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References
Resources
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