Opening .docx Files

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What is a .docx file?

The first time I got a .docx file I thought it was a mistake. Someone must have typed in the extension wrong. But no! It's a new extension courtesy of Microsoft Word.

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?

You can download the Microsoft Compatibility Pack from Microsoft.com.

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?

You can download a desktop widget that allows you to convert .docx files to .htm, so you can open them in your web browser.

Softpedia.com

I use Open Office 

(Because I rule!)

Unfortunately, I've been unable to find anything to download that will allow you to open .docx files in Open Office. You can still use the online converters, and if you have MS Office installed, *gulp* use it just for that.

I can't/don't want to download software 

Can I still open .docx files?

There are several file conversion programs where you can change the file type online. These come in handy if you don't want to download an extension or are on a computer where you aren't able to download on demand.
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... 

NW Docx Converter

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?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

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

Posted October 10, 2008

Nah, they can do whatever.

 
 
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coreybrown wrote...

You're always helpful, Kimberly! On the Mac, try NeoOffice. It rocks (and opens docx too)

ReplyPosted April 22, 2008

by KimberlyDawnWells

I AM: Kimberly Dawn Wells

I'm Squidoo's Community Organizer, which means my focus is on building the community: bringing in new lensmasters, developing...

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