Microsoft Word Document 1997

[morningstar32]

I have a lengthy document stored on my laptop in this format. I cannot edit or print it. Can anyone tell me how I could do this?
Many thanks

[SlackAlice]

Do you have Microsoft Word?

What's the file extension ie .doc .docx?

[Buenchico]

Right-click on the file and select 'Properties'. The 'General' tab will probably be preselected; if not, click on it. If there's a tick against 'Read only' click to remove it and then click on 'Apply' followed by 'OK'. (If there's no tick, simply click 'OK').

Almost any word-processor should be able to open the file, allowing you to edit it and print from it. However you've not told us which word processor (if any) you've got on your computer. If you've not got anything suitable already, download and install OpenOffice:
https://www.openoffice.org/download/index.html
(Click 'Download full installation'. Save the file to your hard drive. Double-click on it and follow the instructions).

Once you've ensured that the file isn't 'read only' and that you've got compatible software on your computer you should then be able to open, edit and print the file.

[morningstar32]

Hi Buenchico
Did as you suggested and have found that 'read only' is not ticked. I have Microsoft Word Processor. Would there be any need to download the other one that you've suggested. The document is on a blue/grey background and asks for a product key. Sorry, as you will guess , I'm not too computer-literate. Thanks for your help.

[factor-fiction]

So maybe you don't have the Word package, in which case Buenchico's open office solution is worth pursuing

[factor-fiction]

Sorry, I saw the bit about the request for a product key and didn't see that you already have Word

[Buenchico]

Does Microsoft Word function normally when creating, opening, editing and printing other documents?

If it does, I'm mystified as to why it should be asking for a product key.

If you've not used Microsoft Word for some time though, and it won't work normally with other documents, then you've only got a trial version on your computer and it's now expired; you can't get it to work without paying for a product key.

I still recommend trying OpenOffice. It's at least as good as Microsoft Office and lots of people have both programs on their computers.

[morningstar32]

Hi Alice
Sorry, just noticed your reply.
The file extension is .doc

[morningstar32]

Buenchico
Yes, I think that's the problem. I've read the message above the request for a product key and it's saying something about validating your licence. So, how would I go about renewing it if that's possible. It would save me an awful lot of typing. In the meantime, I will try the open office one.
Thanks to you, Alice and factor-fiction for your help.

[Buenchico]

If you install OpenOffice you don't actually need Microsoft Word at all. (I certainly wouldn't bother paying for it).

If you really want to buy a product key for Microsoft Word you'll need to work out exactly what it is you've got on your computer that includes Microsoft Word (e.g. 'Microsoft Office Home and Business Edition 2010') and then search Amazon (or eBay) for someone selling a product key. However, be warned: Such a product key can quite often cost more than your computer did! (That's why it makes far more sense to use a freebie like OpenOffice). For example, here's what a product key for Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 costs:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Office-Home-Business-Product/dp/B0039L50J8

Now that you've picked yourself up from the floor and decided to install OpenOffice, I'll give you a little hint to get the best from it:

By default, OpenOffice saves files into its own format (rather than that used by Microsoft Word). It makes more sense to save them in Microsoft Word format. You can do that easily enough by using 'Save As' (instead of 'Save') but you can also change what 'Save' does (so that Microsoft Word format is used by default) by following these instructions:
http://helpdeskgeek.com/office-tips/set-openof%EF%AC%81ce-org-to-save-in-microsoft-of%EF%AC%81ce-format-by-default/

[morningstar32]

Buenchico
Yes, I think I will download the open office (although I should have explained that I only have a half-ounce brain when it comes to computers and this looks like work for a full one-ounce brain) Still, I will have a go and who knows.
Many thanks once more for your time and all your expertise.

[beso]

While Open Office can meet the needs of an ordinary user it is quite nonsensical to claim that it is "at least as good" as Microsoft Office. Any advanced user would find OO wanting, especially the "compatibility" with MS Office.

Also note that OO is a Java application. By installing Java you will be subjected to an endless cycle of very intrusive updates that take over your computer when you are in the middle of your work.

The updates can be suppressed in the settings but they are important because Java is the most vulnerability prone software ever written.

Do make sure to configure Java to suppress the installation of the horrible Ask toolbar during the update. To do this permanently go to Control Panel > Java > Advanced Tab.

Right at the bottom there is a setting "Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java". If you don't do this, one day you will forget to uncheck the box during the update.