.docx or .xlsx won't open in Ms Office 2003, XP Pro

[paulnkathy]

Have never been able to open New .docx or other newer files in MS Office 2003 SP3, Word or Excel files. Updated all available updates from Microsoft.


Have installed MANY converter packs and "must have" updates, files, KB's and many other things that are supposed to make it open the newer files without success.
Hangs when opening and says "Word is Converting "whatever file". "There was an error opening the file".
Excel does the same thing.

It shows "save as" for both .docx and .xlsx but can't do either.

Win XP Pro, MS Office 2003 (11.8411.8405) SP3. Gateway laptop, 2GB ram, 1.5GHz CPU, etc
Anybody have any ideas?

[Stefan Blom]

Have you installed the compatibility pack at the link below?

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl...ails.aspx?id=3

[paulnkathy]

Did so already among MANY other converters. There must be something wrong in my registry. Or?
Also, when I right click on a file, windows xp hangs for 20-30 secs before I can access it.

[Stefan Blom]

Have you verified that the compatibility pack is still installed? Have you also installed the service packs for the compatibility pack, which you can find by searching the Downloads Center (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/default.aspx)?

[paulnkathy]

I'll go over the other things you just pointed out. It wont hurt to reinstal them.
Thanks for trying to help me!

Yes, I just checked to make sure it is installed completely and shows up in Add remove programs = yes. Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system is installed.

You know, I remember a lon time ago someone told me that unless a certain file /KB was installed...it would not work. I installed that file on other computers but not this one. Maybe it doesn't matter.

[macropod]

Have you tried repairing the Office installation (e.g. via Help|Detect & Repair in any Office app, or via Start > Windows Control Panel > Programs > Programs & Features > Microsoft Office (version) > Change)?

[paulnkathy]

Yes, uninstalled, installed, repair, etc
Ran all my utility programs, to clean registry, speed disk, CC, Wisecare365, System Mechanic 3, Norton utilities etc. reinsatlled windows, etc

[macropod]

With a clean install and a fully-updated Office 2003 package, all you should need is the Compatibility Pack for Office 2007.

To use the Compatibility Pack with Office 2003 you must have the Office Service Pack 3 installed. You should also ensure you have the latest Windows Installer for XP installed - the Compatibility Pack also requires that Windows XP has the Windows XP Service Pack 3 installed. If, having done all that, you're still unable to open Office 2007 files, that suggests there is an inherent fault in either the Office installation or the Compatibility Pack installation. Your inability to save files in the later format suggests that is indeed the problem.

I'm inclined to stay well away from those third-party utilities/cleaners/optimisers/converters, though, as some of them do more harm than good - a likelihood that rapidly increases with every different one you use.

Failing all of the above, the only other possibilities you're left with are that you have (a) installed some other software that is incompatible with Office 2003; or (b) a PC with a hardware fault.

[paulnkathy]

I will go over each step you suggested and take the appropriate actions.
Thank you for your expertise and help. I will let you know what happens. Paul

[paulnkathy]

Ok. I spent the day taking your advice to no avail. Uninstalled Office 2003. Cleaned the HD.
From a clean boot, I:
Installed Office 2003.
Updated all available updates from MS including SP3.
I have the latest MS install program.
Installed the MS file FileFormatConverters.exe

Still cannot open .docx file.

Any ideas?

[macropod]

Did you update both Windows XP and Office 2003 with their respective SP3 packages? Can you now save files in the docx format? If so, that suggests the file you can't open is corrupt (or has the wrong extension).

[paulnkathy]

All SP3's, updates, Conversion packages, File format converter packages are installed.
Cannot open any .docx files. Even files I made from other computers that I know that will work on any computer.

The little progress bar at the bottom says "Word is converting xxx.docx file. But there is no progress shown. Only white in the bar. Then it says "There was an error opening the file".

But I remain hopeful!

[paulnkathy]

I Need to make sure that ALL MS Knowledge Based files are on both computers I own. Identical software in both, Office 2003 SP3 & compatibility packs. One opens MS Office .docx & .xlsx files and one doesn't.
How can I transfer or copy or install all the KB files from one computer to another?

Ideas are welcome. Paul

[macropod]

Updates and knowledge base files are entirely different things. If two PCs requires the same updates, they need to be installed on both, simply copying from one to the other is not sufficient. You can download the installable files from MS. If all you've done is to copy some files instead of going through the install process, it's little wonder they don't work.

[paulnkathy]

I'm trying to find out why I cant open .docx files, along time ago someone told me that the conversion pack for opening .docx files with 2003 Office wont work unless u have a certsain KB file. I dont remember what that is. So, I want to put the KB files from the computer that does open .docx files to the one that doesnt open .docx files.