How Can I Read Excel 2007 on a 2003 Computer?

Microsoft's Compatibility Pack allows users to open Excel 2007 files with Excel 2003.

Most users running Microsoft Excel 2003, Excel XP or Excel 2000 have tried to open an Excel file created in a newer version of the program, which only results in frustration or a screen filled with garbled text. To combat the issue, Microsoft released the Compatibility Pack, which automatically takes Excel files saved in newer versions of the program and converts them so they can be opened with older versions. The Compatibility Pack is a free download available on Microsoft's website.

Instructions

1. Go to Microsoft's website (Microsoft.com) to download the Compatibility Pack. Typing "Compatibility Pack" into the search bar on the top of the page will display all related results. Click on the first result to display the Compatibility Pack download page. Click the "Download" button to begin downloading the 37MB file called FileFormatConverters.exe.

2. Navigate to the location that you saved the FileFormatConverters.exe file to on your computer, and double-click on it to begin the installation process. If you were not prompted for a file location when you downloaded the file, it may be in your Downloads folder, Desktop or another default file save location set by you in your Internet browser settings. The "Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office System" window is displayed on your screen.

3. Read the license agreement; then click the check box if you agree to the terms. Click "Continue" to continue the installation process.

4. Allow the installation to run. A dialog box will appear indicating when the process is complete. Click "OK" to return to Windows. Now, when you attempt to use Excel 2003 to open .xlsx documents created in Excel 2007, a dialog box will appear briefly while the file is being converted. The file will then open successfully, allowing you to make edits or re-save the file in the Excel 2003 .xls format.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the Compatibility Pack is installed, you can open Word and PowerPoint files created in newer versions of Microsoft Office as well.

• The Compatibility Pack also allows you to use Excel 2003 to open files created in Excel 2010.

References

• Microsoft: Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack