Works: Problem Finding Previous Works Files After Upgrade (137331)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 4.5
  • Microsoft Works 4.5a
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.0a
This article was previously published under Q137331

SYMPTOMS

After you install Works 4.0 or later over an earlier version of Works, you may have problems finding files you created in the older version. The files may not be immediately visible after you click Open on the File menu.

CAUSE

The files are still on your hard drive; however, Works may be looking for them in a different location than it did in the older version. Works 4.0 and 4.5 create a Documents folder during the setup process and the Works shortcut may be pointing to this new folder, rather than the Msworks folder where you stored your old files.

RESOLUTION

To change to the folder containing your Works documents, do the following:

  1. On the Works File menu, click Open.
  2. In the Open dialog box, if the Look in: box points to the Documents folder, click the Up One Level icon (that is, the icon with the yellow folder with the arrow pointing up). This moves you up one folder level so you can see existing files in the Msworks folder.
  3. If your Works documents are in a different folder, change to that folder.

MORE INFORMATION

You may want to permanently change the default folder that Works starts in when you run it off the Start menu in Windows 95/98. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Taskbar.
  2. Click the Start Menu Programs tab, and then click the Advanced button.
  3. Double-click the Programs icon.
  4. Double-click the folder (program group) containing the shortcut for Works 4.0 or later.
  5. Right-click the Microsoft Works icon, and then click Properties.
  6. Click the Shortcut tab.
  7. Change the folder listed in the Start in: box to the desired default folder.
  8. Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE: If you also have a shortcut to Works on the desktop, you will need to change its Start in: property as well, using a similar procedure.

You may want to put your Works data files in the Documents folder. If your data files are currently in the Msworks folder, you can move these files directly from the Open dialog box by dragging the files into the Documents folder. This organizes your files so the Works program files remain in the Msworks folder and your personal files are located in the Documents folder.

For more information about changing shortcut properties in Windows 95/98, see your Windows printed documentation or online help.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:KB137331
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.