A Word 2000 HTML file opens as text only in Word 97 (229444)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q229444

SYMPTOMS

When you use Microsoft Word 97 to open a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) file that was created in Microsoft Word 2000, Word 97 opens the file as text only or displays a dialog box prompting you to open the file as text only.

CAUSE

If the Confirm conversion at Open check box is not selected (click Options on the Tools menu, and then click the General tab), Word 97 opens the file as text only. If this option is selected, Word 97 displays the Convert File dialog box, prompting you to select the file format.

The converter that Word 97 uses to open HTML files interprets the file as text only. Because the converter was developed before Word 2000 shipped, the converter does not recognize some of the information in the HTML file that Word 2000 creates. The converter does not interpret the file as an HTML file and opens the file as text only by default.

RESOLUTION

To open the file as HTML, select the Confirm conversion at Open check box. Then you are prompted to select the file format. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Start Word 97. Make sure you have at least one document open.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  3. Click the General tab.
  4. Click to select the Confirm conversion at Open check box. Click OK.
When you attempt to open the HTML file, the Convert File dialog box appears. In the list of file formats, select HTML Document and click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/2/2004
Keywords:kbbug kbconversion KB229444
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