Works 95 FAQ: Frequently Asked Upgrade Questions (138338)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.5

This article was previously published under Q138338

SUMMARY

This article provides the answers to frequently asked questions about upgrading to the latest version of Works for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

  1. Q. I have a previous version of Works. How do I install a new version?

    A. Setup searches your hard disk for a previous version of Works. If Setup locates one, it suggests that you install the new version of Microsoft Works for Windows in the same location. Setup updates the program files and removes any program files that are no longer needed. It does not remove any existing documents.
  2. Q. Can I install a new version of Works and keep the old version?

    A. Although you can keep your old version of Works and install Works in a different folder, it is not recommended. Maintaining two versions of Works on the same computer can take up valuable hard disk space and could cause errors and confusion.
  3. Q. When I install the new version of Works, will my old data files be deleted?

    A. Microsoft Works for Windows Setup does not overwrite an existing data file, unless it has the same name as a program file that ships with Works. This is highly unlikely. However, backing up important documents is always good practice, and is especially appropriate before running Setup.
  4. Q. Do I need to back up my documents before installing Works?

    A. File loss or damage during setup is extremely rare. However, it's good practice to back up important documents before installing any software. If anything happens to an important document, you still have access to the backup.
  5. Q. Can I open my old documents in the new version of Works?

    A. Using the Microsoft Works Task Launcher or the File Open command, you can open a document created in a previous version of Works. Works can open documents created in any previous version of Works for Windows or Works for MS-DOS, as well as documents created in Works for the Macintosh versions 3.0 or 4.0.
  6. Q. Can I open a Works 4.0 or 4.5 document in an older version of Works?

    A. To open a Works 4.0 or 4.5 for Windows 95 document in a previous version of Works, you must first save the Works for Windows 95 document in the appropriate format. For example, to open a Works 4.0 or 4.5 Word Processor document in Works for Windows 3.0, you need to save that document in a Works 3.0 Word Processor format.

    To save a document in a Works 3.0 Word Processor format, use the following five-step procedure:

    1. Open the document in Works 4.0 or 4.5.
    2. On the File menu, click Save As.
    3. In the Save As Type section, click the appropriate format.

      For example, if you want to open the document in Microsoft Works for Windows 3.0 word processor, choose Works for Windows 3.0 WP.
    4. In the File Name box, type the name of the document.
    5. Click Save.
    You can now open the document in Works 3.0.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB138338