[lilart]

Hope someone can give me some idea how to deal with software that is no longer supported by MS. My "Works" files turn into Word files, my Publisher files get converted if I try to open copies of them in another computer with Publisher 2007, then those files can't be opened in my computer with the old Publisher 2000. I have many family history files in Works, but have found out that if I want to send them to someone, I have to redo them in Word. I looked up a Works Suite software and was surprised to find it contained MS Word. Would my old Works files open in the Works Suite? My old MS Works had a data base and spread sheet, which I used often. I'm not sure that the Works Suite contains that software. I'm just trying to find out which way to upgrade so I can open my old files without the headaches I'm having with the old files. I am using another used computer now that has the up-dated Office 2007 (Publisher included). The 2000 software was much simpler and I miss it. Most all files I have on my Maxtor external drive will be from older software and I'm not looking forward to any problems in opening them when I need them. Any suggestions for making this situation a bit more friendly and attainable. Thanks, lilart

[Byteman]

I suggest you look into using something like OpenOffice suite, a free and open source software that has been around for many years.....it uses files created in Microsoft programs and other office suites like Word Perfect, can create files that can be used with Word etc....take a look, you could practice with some copies of files --- NOT your only copy to start with and see if you can get by.

http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/...d/File_formats

It sounds like you are experienced enough to know the pitfalls of working with multiple copies of Word or other MS docs on the same computer....

it might pay to use a different computer to practice with copies of backup files or something been there, done that.

[lilart]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try on another old computer. lilart

[DaveA]

I keep Works on my systems, if they come with it, for the stated reason.

What I would do is convert all of you "wks" files to RTF, (Rich Text Files) and then they can be read by any current word processor, including Wordpad. OR, those files that you do open in Word 2007, save them as a ref type and then they can be opened in the version of Works.

Being a Family Researcher also, one will fine that there are many programs out there and not all files can be shared. If I send someone a file, I send the a PDF copy along with the other file type. Some of the current "Family Tree" programs can produce many reports and all seem to be able to produce "pdf" type files.

[lilart]

Thanks Dave for the suggestion. It sounds like something that I could handle. I'm going to try the RTF route. I'll let you know if fI get it done. Thanks again. lilart

[dave0700]

you are right,
wks files will not work in native mode anymore, maybe you can continue using your old works version and install on the new pc too, if you need help in that, let me know, i understand you may be facing problems doing it but it can sure be worked out, do pm if you need help doing it.

[lilart]

Thanks for the offer to help. I'll be out of town for a few days so won't be able to work on the problem until the end of the week. I take it that you will be available in the evenings. I'll let you know when I'm back, Thanks again, lilart

[dvk01]

dave0700

we don't offer help by PM on this forum
either offer help in public or not all at all

thanks

[lilart]

I interpreted his pm as the time he would be at his computer. If it means something else, please clarify the meaning of PM Thanks, lilart

[Byteman]

Stands for Private Message, meaning the same as Instant message> it isn't visible to and would not help others here. Members can message each other and "talk" that way, or PM Moderators etc, but the help or tech advice is supposed to be done in forum posts.

[lilart]

Thanks Byteman for the clarification of the "pm". I appreciate it very much. I have only used the forums in all the questions I've posed thoughout the years. I have some options to help with my Works problems, so I'll see what occurs and will let those that are interested know what I accomplish. Thanks so much again, lilart

[dave0700]

ok, fine