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Changing Word Program Version

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2K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  Spinner49 
#1 ·
I have Windows 10 Pro with Office/Word 2016 installed. I would like to install my previous version (2003) of Microsoft Office because I am more familiar with it and can't stand this one. My question is..can I install the 2003 version and uninstall the 2016 version without losing all my documents? Is there a specific way this needs to be done? I am NOT a computer expert by any means so please be specific. Thank you!
 
#2 ·
1st, you may not be able to open any of the 2016 file with 2003.
2nd, I would uninstall 2016 first, reboot and then install 2003 and reboot again.

You should NOT lose any Word files.

Also, if you have used 2016 Outlook, you may not be able to open your email using Outlook 2003.
 
#3 ·
I previously had Windows 7 and used the 2003 Office program which is where most of my documents came from. A techy friend (out of town) put in a new hard drive with the Windows 10 Pro. He installed the new 2016 version of it. I don't use anything other than Word. Where would my current Word files be if I delete the 2016 first?
 
#8 ·
Actually it's not the word i was intending. I meant I don't think 2003 Office can open .docx files (the standard file for Word now) without an add-on. It looks like Microsoft has one, but I can only find the service pack, not the full file. It may be the same file but updated: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=27836

But if you are only creating documents and not receiving any from anyone, the compatibility pack is not required.
 
#10 ·
Switching back and forth between 2 versions Word does have it's issues.

I would not do it. You are going to be better off in learning about and using 2016, as 2003 is no longer being supported and may not function with any new versions of Windows.
 
#12 ·
Due to security concerns and MS Office 2003 being so out-dated, you may want to look at an excellent free Office alternative called Softmaker Free Office. SFO has the best file comparability with Office File formats, is super-fast, and provides a choice of Ribbon or Classic Toolbars for Menu options. Have a look here:

https://www.freeoffice.com/en/

Another excellent alternative is Libre office. A bit more popular and more feature, but some Office file formats might not carry over as well as Softmaker Free Office. Have a look at that here:

https://www.libreoffice.org/

Both are completely free, and will support the newer MS Office for example Word DOCX file formats. Office 2003 requires a converter to open DOCX files. Microsoft no longer supports the converter. In it's place they offer Office Online

https://www.office.com/?WT.mc_id=O16_BingHP

Click on "Sign in" or "Get an Account" It will give you a full web version of Office including MS Word, with about 90% of the functionality of the paid Office products and always up to date. More than enough for home users.

Than there is also Google Drive, which is my favorite Online Office Suite. Compatible versions of MS Products with great file collaboration:

https://www.google.com/drive/

For best results, if you choose to go with Softmaker Free Office or Libre Office, you should uninstall any other installed Office product on your PC or device. Pick one or the other, but not both.

Google Drive and Office Online are free Online Suites and independent of what is installed on your PC or device. If you choose to download Google Drive or Office Online files to your PC or device, you will need some form of desktop Office software. (Paid Office product, or one of the free desktop versions) to open those files.

Jack
 
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