Working with documents created in earlier versions of Office

In many offices users will encounter documents created in earlier versions of Word.  With Office 2007, understanding how these files are treated is important.  Because Office 2007 has new features and uses a new file format, the user is asked to indicate how they prefer working with the document on opening.

Opening documents created with earlier versions:

When a document created with an earlier version of Word is opened, Word will automatically switch to compatibility mode.  As a result, all new features available in Office 2007 are disabled.  This allows the document to be viewed or edited and continue to be shared with people who aren't using Word 2007.  If 'previous version' compatibility is no longer required, the document may be converted to the Office 2007 format on Save.  Converting to the 2007 format allows you to take full advantage of the new features in Word 2007, such as document themes, SmartArt graphics, pull quotes, and smaller file size.

Converting a document to the 2007 format:

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Convert.
    
   
2. In the Microsoft Office Word dialog box, click OK.
    
   
3. Do one of the following:
   • To replace the original file with a file in the Office Word 2007 file format, click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Save.
   • To save the original document in its original file format and create another document in the Office Word 2007 file format, click the Microsoft Office Button, click Save As, and then type a new name for the file.