[WinPartners] Office 2007 default file format changer

['Deb Bowser']

IS&T is pleased to announce that an Office 2007 default file format  
changer is available for download.  This tool sets the default save  
type in Microsoft Office 2007 applications to the previous Office  
97-2003 formats (.doc, .xls, .ppt) for cross-platform compatibility.

Why do I need this tool?

Microsoft Office 2007's new XML-based file formats  
(.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) are not compatible with previous versions of  
Office.  IS&T recommends Office 2007 users utilize this tool, which  
changes the default save types in Office 2007 applications to the  
older Office 97-2003 formats, to ensure that documents can be  
transparently shared across platforms.


To obtain the default file format changer, please go to the software  
download page:

	http://web.mit.edu/software/win.html


For more information about file formats, read Microsoft's  
Introduction to new file name extensions and Office XML Formats:

	http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA100069351033.aspx#3


What if I'm not upgrading to Office 2007 in the near future?

For those not upgrading to Office 2007 we recommend that Office 2003  
users install Microsoft's Compatibility Pack to ensure you are able  
to read the new Office formatted documents (XML). Using the  
Compatibility Pack with Office 2003, will enable you to open, edit,  
and save files using the XML-based file formats new to Word, Excel,  
and PowerPoint 2007.

The Compatibility Pack can be downloaded from Microsoft:

	http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101686761033.aspx


For additional information on Office 2007, please visit the Office  
2007 for Windows page:

	http://itinfo.mit.edu/product.php?vid=730


What if I'm a Macintosh user with Office 2004?

Currently files saved in XML formats can't be opened by Office 2004  
on a Macintosh, except in Word where   there is a beta version of a  
file converter available.  MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard) is expected to  
include a file converter when it ships in January 2008.

Thank you to all involved in identifying and resolving the issues  
with file compatibility for Office 2007.  A special thanks to John  
Fothergill in IS&T for developing the Windows default file format  
changer tool.

Regards,
Deb Bowser
Team Leader - Software Release Team
Client Support Services
Information Services and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
W92-175
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-3879
bowser at mit.edu