Opening .docx Files
Ranked #6,433 in Computers & Electronics, #124,646 overall
What is a .docx file?
Unfortunately, if you haven't heard of the .docx extension, you probably don't have the tools to open it. The good news is that add-ons are readily available!
I have Microsoft Office on a PC
How can I open .docx files?
Besides opening .docx files, this will also allow you to, as per Microsoft's website:
"By installing the Compatibility Pack in addition to Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP, or Office 2003, you will be able to open, edit, and save files using the file formats new to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007. The Compatibility Pack can also be used in conjunction with the Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003, Excel Viewer 2003, and PowerPoint Viewer 2003 to view files saved in these new formats. For more information about the Compatibility Pack, see Knowledge Base article 924074."
I have Microsoft Office on a Mac
How can I open .docx files?
Softpedia.com
I use Open Office
(Because I rule!)
I can't/don't want to download software
Can I still open .docx files?
- Zamzar
- Zamzar is quick and easy, and can be used for all sorts of file extension conversions, and is the 9-to-1 recommended website over alternatives.
- Media Convert
- Another option for translating files into alternative extensions.
Kimberly recommends...
This replaces another program I previously recommended, but the link went sour.
From the site:
"NW Docx Converter application was designed to help you convert Word 2007 Docx and OpenOffice Swx and Odt files to universal RTF formatwithout even needing that MS Office 2007 or OpenOffice to be installed. OpenOffice files will be converted with formatting, but no images."
Is Microsoft going too far?
Microsoft has been accused of creating a monopoly on how software operates. Open Office has greatly changed the playing field by allowing businesses, schools, and individuals access to exceptional software for free. With the addition of a .docx file type, is Microsoft pushing it?
Is Microsoft pushing your buttons?

Ugh, yes how annoying!
Spook says:
Yes I find this, although I don,t really know what I'm doing. I think it's just a business thing. In other words, you do no want to lose yor customer to the opposition. Therefore, you protect your own interests at all costs. How they do this in the PC world is a great mystery to me. But do it, they do. Interesting lens
Nah, they can do whatever.
Was this helpful?
Say hi, so I know you were here and found this helpful!
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Rebeccad
Aug 22, 2009 @ 6:40 pm | delete
- Leave it to Mircosoft to mess things up. Many times before I understood .docx, I would always think the files were corrupted or just didnt work. Great lens by the way.
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the_lensmaster
Aug 19, 2009 @ 11:43 pm | delete
- At the college my boy(13) started to write with office 2007(docx) and my pc has only office 2003(word). I found "NW Docx Converter" very easy to use, got online and installed it for Free: it converted to rtf only/ or pdf but from rtf to Word without problem. He could finish his essay. Maybe we can get all(pictures included) with pdf than word. I didn't try yet! You lens is very useful for this kind of problem.
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coreybrown
Apr 22, 2008 @ 12:37 pm | delete
- You're always helpful, Kimberly! On the Mac, try NeoOffice. It rocks (and opens docx too)
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About the Author
by KimberlyDawnWells
I AM: Kimberly Dawn Wells I've done a great many things in my life and I'm always trying something new.
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