How to Convert Office 2007 Documents to Office 2003 Format

Office 2003 users may find that they are unable to open Office 2007 documents. Therefore, Office 2003 users wanting to convert Office 2007 documents must download and install the Microsoft Compatibility Pack. According to Microsoft, installing the Compatibility Pack allows Office 2003 users to open, edit, save and create files using the Open XML Formats new to the 2007 Microsoft Office system. The Microsoft Compatibility Pack is downloaded by visiting the Microsoft Download Center website.

Instructions

1. Visit the Microsoft Download Center website to download Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2).

2. Select your approximate Internet speed from the “Estimated Download Time” drop-down menu, and then click on the “Download” button. Be sure that the language displayed next to the “Change language” field matches the language of your Office software. You will then be redirected to another page.

3. Click on the “Start Download” link if the download does not start automatically. Another window will open. Select the “Save file” button and then download the add-on to your PC.

4. Install Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2) by double-clicking on the file and then following the prompts. Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2) will added automatically to your Office 2003 software.

5. Open the Office 2007 document in its equivalent Office 2003 program, click “File,” select “Save As,” enter a file name in the “File Name” field and then click “Save.” If you would like to maintain the same file name as the Office 2007 document, leave the file name field unchanged. You have now successfully converted an Office 2007 document into the Office 2003 format.

References

• Microsoft: Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 file formats

Resources

• Microsoft.com; Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 (SP2)