WD97: Error Message Received on Opening Works 4.x Files (185827)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q185827

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open a Microsoft Works 4.x file in Microsoft Word 97, you will receive the following error message:
Word cannot open the document.
Try one or more of the following:
* On the File menu, click Open to open the document.
* Make sure the document has a *.doc extension (C:\<path>\Filename)

CAUSE

The file you are trying to open in Word is also open in Works.

WORKAROUND

To open the file in Word, close the file in Works.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The Microsoft Works 4.0 converter, Works432.Cnv, is not installed during a typical setup. To install the converter, use one of the following methods.

NOTE: Because there are several versions of Windows, the following steps may be different on your computer. If they are, please consult your product documentation to complete these steps.

Method 1: Using Word 97 with Office 97

If you are using Word 97 with Office 97, follow these steps:

  1. Quit Word and all Office programs, including the Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.
  2. On the Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  3. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
  4. Click the Install/Uninstall tab.
  5. Click Microsoft Office 97, and then click Add/Remove.

    The Microsoft Office 97 setup program will be started.
  6. From the Microsoft Office 97 Setup dialog box, click Add/Remove.
  7. From the Microsoft Office 97-Maintenance dialog box, click Converters And Filters. Do not remove the check mark from the check box. Click Change Options.
  8. Under Options, click Text Converters without removing the check mark from the check box, and then click Change Options.
  9. Click to select Works for Windows 4.0, click OK twice, and then click Continue.

Method 2: Using the Standalone Version of Word 97

If you are using the stand-alone version of Word 97, follow these steps:

  1. Quit Word and all Office programs, including the Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar.
  2. On the Windows Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  3. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
  4. Click the Install/Uninstall tab.
  5. Click Microsoft Word 97, and then click Add/Remove.

    The Microsoft Word 97 setup program will be started.
  6. From the Microsoft Word 97 Setup dialog box, click Add/Remove.
  7. From the Microsoft Word 97 - Maintenance dialog box, click Converters And Filters. Do not remove the check mark from the check box. Click Change Options.
  8. Under Options, click Text Converters without removing the check mark from the check box, and then click Change Options.
  9. Click to select Works for Windows 4.0, click OK twice, and then click Continue.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB185827
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