You receive a security warning message when you open or when you save a document in Word 2002 (840662)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

Important This article contains information that shows you how to help to lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, Microsoft recommends that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you choose to implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help to protect your system.

SYMPTOMS

When you open a document in Microsoft Word 2002, you receive the following security warning message: This file needs to be opened by the convertername text converter, which may pose a security risk if the file you are opening is a malicious file. Choose Yes to open this file only if you are sure it is from a trusted source.When you save a document in Word 2002, you receive the following security warning message:This file needs to be saved using the convertername text converter. If you are not the author of this file or if the file is not from a trusted source, using this converter may pose a security risk. Click Yes to save this file only if you are sure it is from a trusted source.

CAUSE

This issue occurs after you install Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) and you try to open or you try to save a document in one of the following file formats:
  • MS-DOS Text with Layout (*.asc)
  • Text with Layout (*.ans)
  • Microsoft Excel Worksheet (*.xls)
  • Microsoft Word 6.0/95 (*.doc)
  • Microsoft Word 4.0 for Macintosh (*.mcw)
  • Microsoft Word 5.0 for Macintosh (*.mcw)
  • Microsoft Word 5.1 for Macintosh (*.mcw)
  • Microsoft Word 2.x for Windows (*.doc)
  • Microsoft Works 2000 (*.wps)
  • Microsoft Works 4.0 for Windows (*.wps)
For additional information about Office XP SP3, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

832671 Description of Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3

RESOLUTION

How to obtain the hotfix

This issue is fixed in the Word 2002 Hotfix Package that is dated May 5, 2004. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

830807 Word 2002 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix package: May 5, 2004


After you install this hotfix, follow the steps that are listed in the "More Information" section of this article to set the DoNotConfirmConverterSecurity registry key and to activate the hotfix.

MORE INFORMATION

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. Microsoft does not recommend this workaround but is providing this information so that you can choose to implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.
To activate this hotfix, follow these steps:
  1. Quit Word 2002.
  2. Click Start, and then click Run.
  3. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  4. Locate, and then click to select the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Word\Options

  5. After you select the key that is specified in step 4, point to New on the Edit menu, and then click DWORD Value.
  6. Type DoNotConfirmConverterSecurity, and then press ENTER.
  7. Right-click DoNotConfirmConverterSecurity, and then click Modify.
  8. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
  9. On the File menu, click Exit to quit Registry Editor.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/7/2006
Keywords:kbOfficeXPpostSP3fix kbfix kbbug kbQFE KB840662 kbAudITPRO kbAudEndUser
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