Cannot Save Files in the Word for Windows 6.0 Format Using WordPad in Windows XP (283781)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q283781

SYMPTOMS

When you use Microsoft WordPad to save a document, the Word for Windows 6.0 option is not available in the Save as type box. The only options available in the Save as type box are:
  • Rich Text Format (RTF)
  • Text
  • Text--MS-DOS
  • Unicode Text

CAUSE

Since it is possible to lose some localization characters that are not supported in Word 6.0 the option to save as, is no longer supported. Word 6.0 documents can be opened since we know there are no caracters in the Word 6.0 format that are not supported. Rich Text Format (RTF) is a suitable alternative since the character sets for other locilizations are supported.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, save the text file as a RTF document. RTF is supported by programs that are compatible with Word for Windows 6.0 files. WordPad can still open a Word for Windows 6.0 file, but files can no longer be saved as Word for Windows 6.0 files.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/15/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB283781
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