With introduction of Microsoft Office 2007 suite came new file extensions, such as .docx, .xlsx, .pptx for new office applications to replace the commonly used document formats. The problem with the conversion from doc to docx or from xls to xlsx or from ppt to pptx is that many users are still working with prior versions of Word, Excel or PowerPoint, which cannot read the new versions of MS Office documents simply because it is not supported in their application. So much for backwards compatibility.

Workaround

Depending on what program and the operating system you’re working with there are several possibilities to open and work with docx, xlsx or pptx files without the necessity of purchasing the latest and rather expansive Microsoft Office 2007 software suite.

Microsoft Compatibility Pack

For older versions of Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint:Older versions such as Office XP do not support the docx format because it was not known when they were developed and sold. A simple way to read docx and xlsx files in those applications would be to install the Microsoft Compatibility Pack which adds support for the new file formats. 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.

Open Office

You can use the Open XML Translator for Open Office to be able to read and edit docx, xmlx and pptx files with Open Office.

Online Solution

The docx converter lets you convert docx documents online.It offers a portable solution for your compatibility needs. It will convert a Microsoft Office .docx file into a simple html file. It strips out some of the formatting, but now supports bold, italic, and underlined text. Left, right, center, and justified alignment and more.

Something for Macintosh Users

You might want to use the Online Solution above. If you happen to use Microsoft Office on your Mac computer you might want to take a look at the Microsoft Office Open XML File Format Converter for Mac. Open XML Converter allows you to convert Open XML files that were created in Office 2008 for Mac or Office 2007 for Windows so that you can open, edit, and save them in earlier versions of Office for Mac.