HELP WITH INSTALLING WORD PROCESSOR!

[triceretops]

I've just received all the major edits for my book from my editor. She didn't do track changes, because I told her that I'm having problems just getting a word processor in my computer that will download a large book attachment, then give me editing capability. To better explain my problem, I'll include here the letter that I sent her:

"Thanks, Darlene!

Glad you're up and about. I thought you were still in the game. My only problem seems to be using a proper word processor for this edit. I have a trial edition of MS Word 2010 that has already expired in the computer, so I can't use it. I have a MS "Works" word processor in the computer, but I can't even paste anything into it, to create a document, or I'm doing something wrong. People have suggested that I download a free copy of Open Office, since it is compatible with any Word Document. What do you suggest? I've worked with MS Word 2003 very sucessfully, and I'm wondering if I can download a free version of that. However, I've been told that such a free version of MS 2003 doesn't have all the editing capabilities. So I'm totally confused.

If I can download your attachment into a word processor, actaully two copies in two seperate files, I can certainly use one copy (your edited copy) to rewrite the second copy and send it back. I really don't mind flipping back and forth between the two, since I've done this before.

Alas, my greatest need (since I'm computer stupid) is how to load a workable word processing program in this computer that allows me full edit capability. Your help here would be instrumental, before I even get started.

ETA: If I download your attachment and save it to file, it's going to end up in the expired MS Word 2010 trial word processor, rendering it useless for any edits. This 2010 version seems to be the default word program. How in the heck do I get rid of it, or change the default to some other program? I'm sorry for these questions, but they are my biggest concerns. I'm a very, very fast editor, so there's no problem there--it's just I can't even get a good program going to start this process."

Kindly,
Chris

Does anyone understand what I'm going through here and how to solve the problem? I am so damn computer illiterate, that I can't solve this and it's very important.

Do I have to totally delete the trial version MS Word 2010
from my computer, to make room for another word program? Why in the heck doesn't MS "Works' accept even a copy and paste? It says I have too much material to download--I can't even paste a sentence into Works. What's up with that?

Please, any help or advice here, written in very, very, very simple terms might just save my ass. I'm at wits end knowing what to do.

Kindly

Chris

[alleycat]

How much free space do you have on your computer? What version of Windows are you running?

[alleycat]

If I understand you correctly, and you don't want to buy Word 2010, the best thing to try would be LibreOffice (I think).

[FrederickCross]

I would advise you to download LibreOffice (http://www.libreoffice.org) instead of OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org). OpenOffice has been discontinued and the people / community have all migrated to LibreOffice. It's essentially the same thing but with another name. But be aware that there are small glitches between MS Word and Open/LibreOffice. It's mostly formatting glitches, as far as I know and nothing major. I just thought it was worth mentioning.

As for you problem, assuming you are running Windows, once you have installed Open/LibreOffice, if you download the files your editor sent you on your computer follow these simple steps to make sure they open in the program you want:

1) Right click the document in question.
2) In the menu, go to "Open With" and locate the "Choose default program"
3) If Open/LibreOffice is not in the list you see, click "Browse" and travel to where you've installed it (generally in Program Files or Program Files (x86) if you're on Windows 7)
4) Select the appropriate executable file (in /program, soffice.exe for both of them). They might be in one of the sub-directories, you might have to look around ;)
5) Click Ok or Open.
6) You should be set now and able to open any .doc automatically with Open/LibreOffice.

EDIT: Ooops, forgot the links ;)
EDIT2: Found the correct .exe for LibreOffice and amended accordingly.

[triceretops]

My mistake. The trial version is MS Word 2007, I believe. I have tons of room--36GB free on one 70GB hard drive, and the other 70GB drive is empty. I guess I have the lastest version of Windows Vista, whichever that one is, or the next under it.

[alleycat]

Well, if you have 36 gb free you've got enough for LibreOffice.

If the trial version of Word 2010 isn't working any more, then you might as well delete it.

Edited to add: To remove a program you need to do it with an uninstall or by using Add/Remove Program (not by just deleting the folder where the program is located).

[triceretops]

Thanks, Fredrick,

I'll keep LibreOffice on my mind for a dowload, rather than OpenOffice. Didn't know that OO has been discontinued. My book came back formatted for an e-version, so I'll have to be careful about moving text around, for sure.

Just for my edification, can I buy a version of 2007 and install it? How much does it cost (aprox) and can I get such a thing at Walmart?

I've also heard that importing or exporting from OO or Libre requires you to put it in the original format that it came from, before you download it or send it? Is this correct?

[alleycat]

If you're going to buy a version of Word you might as well get 2010. It's like $120, I think.

I doubt whether you can still get Word 2007 at Wal-Mart.

[triceretops]

If you're going to buy a version of Word you might as well get 2010. It's like $120, I think.

I doubt whether you can still get Word 2007 at Wal-Mart.

I see. Good to know. I see all these free downloads of 2003 Word, but the many (user) comments on them state that they don't have full capability, and I can't imagine what they mean. View only? That's what's confusing me.

Now, if I complete remove the trial version of 2007 from my computer, will the all my book files disapear with it? Or well they stay there?

[FrederickCross]

Actually, Word and Open/Libre Office have pretty much the same bells and whistles as Word. Where they slightly differs is in file formats. Word saves the files (default) in .doc and Open/Libre does in .odt. You can open / edit / save .doc with Open/Libre but, don't quote me on this, .doc is a proprietary format from Microsoft so, they have to make it slightly different when you try to save in that format.

And if you uninstall MS Word 2007 trial, the files you've created with it will not disappear unless they are saved in the same directory as Word is and the software also deletes said directory.

Just make sure you didn't save anything important in that directory and you should be fine.

[alleycat]

I thought you had a trail version of Word 2010.

In any event, removing the program won't remove the files (.docs) you've saved.

Don't get one of those free downloads of a MS program unless you're very, very sure of the source. It's probably cracked (stolen) code. It can cause you way too many problems, not to mention it's illegal.

[alleycat]

You can wait to delete the trial version of Word you have. You can have Word and LibreOffice on your computer at the same time (I do).

[alleycat]

And if you uninstall MS Word 2007 trial, the files you've created with it will not disappear unless they are saved in the same directory as Word is and the software also deletes said directory.

Just make sure you didn't save anything important in that directory and you should be fine.

That's true. Most people don't store their actual Word files in a program directory, but, if you did for some strange reason, make sure you move the files to some other folder.

[kuwisdelu]

LibreOffice is built from the same code base as OpenOffice. Think of it as OpenOffice rebranded, since that's essentially what it is.

I've also heard that importing or exporting from OO or Libre requires you to put it in the original format that it came from, before you download it or send it? Is this correct?

Where they slightly differs is in file formats. Word saves the files (default) in .doc and Open/Libre does in .odt. You can open / edit / save .doc with Open/Libre but, don't quote me on this, .doc is a proprietary format from Microsoft so, they have to make it slightly different when you try to save in that format.

You can open and save Word .doc files in LibreOffice just fine. You just have to change it to .doc in the save dialog, and if you check the box to tell it to always use that format, it'll be completely transparent. There are some inconsistencies now and then, but nothing that should really matter for a basic manuscript.

[kuwisdelu]

I see. Good to know. I see all these free downloads of 2003 Word, but the many (user) comments on them state that they don't have full capability, and I can't imagine what they mean. View only? That's what's confusing me.

You can't get Word free unless it's stolen. (Or unless someone else bought it for you.) Free trials are legitimate, but of course they'll stop working after a while if you don't pay up, and tend to have limited functionality even when they do work. (I think they do work as read-only viewers after they expire, though — you just can't edit and save anything.)

If you want free, Word isn't for you.

Now, if I complete remove the trial version of 2007 from my computer, will the all my book files disapear with it? Or well they stay there?

No. They're fine. I never quite understand why people think this. (Don't take that the wrong way ;); I'm just curious; lots of computer mistakes and misconceptions I understand, but some of them just confuse me. :))

That's true. Most people don't store their actual Word files in a program directory, but, if you did for some strange reason, make sure you move the files to some other folder.

I imagine you'd have to be actively trying to do this in order to do it, and the Windows program files hierarchy is too confusing to go there on purpose. (At least for me.)

[alleycat]

I imagine you'd have to be actively trying to do this in order to do it, and the Windows program files hierarchy is too confusing to go there on purpose. (At least for me.)

Yeah, it would take a few clicks to actually do that.

[triceretops]

Thank you, folks. I'm starting to get the gist of this, albeit very slowly and awkwardly.

My editor just contacted me and told me to pop in a free version of Word 2003, because it will not screw with the publisher's special formatting--which is very exotic and unique

So what do I do? I search for a free dowload website that has MS Word 2003. Simple enough, and I find dozens and dozens of them. I pick several and find that it's most bait and switch trash--even when I click on an icon download for 2003, if I can find one in all the trash, it takes me to another download adverstizement like TinyWriter, AbiWord, Word Viewer, Open Office, or some other god-awful program. Example:

[Cath]

Kuwisdelu is right, you're not going to find Word free unless it's ripped or stolen - and that brings a whole other set of problems.

You can buy Word 2010 and write the tax off as a business expense. If you're planning to make money from writing it's probably the best approach anyway. The Home & Student edition is probably the one you want and you can find it for around $100 (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=word+2010&gs_upl=2380l5198l0l6345l9l7l0l1l1l0l502l1965l0.1.2 .1.1.1l6l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.&biw=1024&bih=660&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13329157805312356992&sa=X&ei=mZBqTtT5JaTy0gHXwJT1BA&ved=0CG0Q8wIwBw) (US).

[alleycat]

I don't have an opinion on all that, other than to mention that you only need Word, not the whole Office suite (which includes Excel, Access, etc.).

[alleycat]

tri, another moderator pointed out we probably don't want all those links on our website since they lead to all sorts of websites (and probably some bad ones).

Would you remove that part of your post, or I can do it for you.

[triceretops]

Oh, my bad. I removed them and thanks for telling me.

Now I'm beginning to understand. There really is no such thing as a free ms word 2003 version that has full editing capability. They're read onlys--that has to be it.

Next question: I have Microsoft Works in my files. I take this is a full functioning Word Processing program. It has the tool bar and all the gismos. I even has some full-length book documents in it. I have successfully sent attachments from Works out of my email.

Why is it that I can't download an attachment to me, into the Works processor? There's no drop-down window that displays Works as the target for download. Why is that?


STEVENSON...doc
View online (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)
Download (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)(1657.5 KB)

When I click on attachment (above) is what I get. Whether I view it then download it, or download it, it still ends up in the expired trial version of 2007.

I'm truly baffled that I don't have a drop-down window as an option to send it to Works.

Oh, and it appears you are right. Any free download of MS Word 2003 has got to be stolen, and iffy. If not, they appear to be read-only.

Chris

[kuwisdelu]

Don't even bother with Works. Download LibreOffice and try it with that.

[alleycat]

Why don't you just save the attachment to whatever folder you want to put it in for now.

If you like, I could take a look at the file the editor sent back (and their "special and unique formatting") and see if it comes through when it's brought up in LibraOffice.

I promise I won't steal your novel. ;-)))

[kuwisdelu]

I promise I won't steal your novel. ;-)))

Careful. I hear curiosity killed the cat.

[alleycat]

Don't even bother with Works. Download LibreOffice and try it with that.

I agreed. Works isn't what you need in this case.

[alleycat]

Careful. I hear curiosity killed the cat.

Hush! It's all part of my master plan.

[triceretops]

Why don't you just save the attachment to whatever folder you want to put it in for now.

If you like, I could take a look at the file the editor sent back (and their "special and unique formatting") and see if it comes through when it's brought up in LibraOffice.

I promise I won't steal your novel. ;-)))

STEVENSON...doc
View online (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)
Download (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)(1657.5 KB)

Is that what you need, Alley? Sure give it kick and see what's up.
Kuwisdelu, I think I'll try that. I've heard that OO and Libre are almost a perfect match for 2003

[alleycat]

Just forget OO. LO is the new "version".

[alleycat]

Is that what you need, Alley? Sure give it kick and see what's up.

No. I'll send you my e-mail address. Send me the file, or forward the e-mail from the editor (remove anything in the body of the e-mail that you want to keep private).

[kuwisdelu]

STEVENSON...doc
View online (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)
Download (http://sn131w.snt131.mail.live.com/default.aspx#)(1657.5 KB)

Is that what you need, Alley?

No, that's just a link to the attachment on your email account. The cat can't access your email. Save the attachment to your computer, and then attach it to an email or PM to the friendly feline.

Sure give it kick and see what's up.
Kuwisdelu, I think I'll try that. I've heard that OO and Libre are almost a perfect match for 2003

They're certainly laid out a lot more like 2003 than recent editions of Word. No one sane is going to be typesetting in Word, so a basic manuscript shouldn't have much formatting trouble between LibreOffice and Word.

[alleycat]

Tri, the Cardinals/Braves game is about to start. You can send me the file if you want; it might be tomorrow before I can take a look at it.

[triceretops]

Okay, Alley.

So, I just installed LibreOffice, successfully I hope. I have two icons on my work desk. I'm going to try and access the LO program and see it it looks okay.

I still have the original email with the attachment from my editor. How do I open and save that attachment to my LO program? I couldn't install it in Works--it just went to the default trial version of Word 2007. I have a feeling it will go there again.

I'll be back...

[alleycat]

Most of the time you can just click the attachment and then it will give you a choice to either open it, or save it. You want to save it. Or, you can find an icon or pull-down that says something like "Save attachment".

I don't know what e-mail program you're using.

[triceretops]

I think I got the hang of it. I hit download, then save. It saves it to my largest group of files that are with the old trial version. I high-light with one click, then I open it. But here's where I've been screwing up--I must drop the menu at the open button and flag libreofffice--not anything else. And I also found the default word processor link and clicked on Libreoffice there.

I'm still struggling, but by George, I think I have it!

Funny thing, the attachment comes through as multiple pages on one page--scaled down. I don't remember how to put them inline. I go try.

You guys have been wonderful. It's taken me nine hours to do this and a missed day of pay!

Chris

[alleycat]

Try poking around in the View options.

[kuwisdelu]

Okay, Alley.

So, I just installed LibreOffice, successfully I hope. I have two icons on my work desk. I'm going to try and access the LO program and see it it looks okay.

I still have the original email with the attachment from my editor. How do I open and save that attachment to my LO program? I couldn't install it in Works--it just went to the default trial version of Word 2007. I have a feeling it will go there again.

I think I got the hang of it. I hit download, then save. It saves it to my largest group of files that are with the old trial version. I high-light with one click, then I open it. But here's where I've been screwing up--I must drop the menu at the open button and flag libreofffice--not anything else. And I also found the default word processor link and clicked on Libreoffice there.

There seems to be a fundamental flaw in your assumptions. You don't save a file to a particular program. You just save them to your computer. They don't "belong" to any particular program, though a certain program may be set to open those kinds of files by default. But as long as the file is saved to your computer, you can open and edit it with any program that knows how to read it. Right-click the file and do "Open with..." if you need to open a file with a different program than default.

[alleycat]

Adding to kuwisdelu's post, you can also set the default program to open any kind of file (for example, LO to open a .doc file). That way you can just click whatever file you want (in a document folder) and the computer will know which program to use to open it with.

[Matera the Mad]

:popcorn:

An attempt to clarify some terminology: You don't download a file "into" a program; the file is downloaded and saved on your hard drive no matter what you do. But if you choose "Open (with whatever)" instead of "Save", the file is dumped in the Windows temporary folder (which Windows carefully hides from you) and opened by whatever from there. So you might as well save it anyway.

That is why, if you "Open" an attachment, make changes, and simply "Save" it, you'll never find the changed file unless you do "Save as" and diddle around to get it ito your documents folder (which is just as obscurely located as the temp one, but you usually have convenient shortcuts to it all over so you never have to know where it is in the file system heirarchy). Yo, TMI!

[kuwisdelu]

That is why, if you "Open" an attachment, make changes, and simply "Save" it, you'll never find the changed file unless you do "Save as" and diddle around to get it ito your documents folder (which is just as obscurely located as the temp one, but you usually have convenient shortcuts to it all over so you never have to know where it is in the file system heirarchy). Yo, TMI!

Really? Windows really doesn't know to automatically do a "Save as" when you say to "Save" on a temporary file? It's been a long time since I've spent much time in Windows, but I find that baffling.

[triceretops]

Well, I got it single page format and exploded the view so I can read the font now. She's written comments in green, which I'm supposed to turn to black, but can't do it with my color bar, no matter what. Her red ink is meant to be deleted--no problem there, then I close up the type.

Can't erase the yellow highlights, either. I copy with the cursor, hit the yellow button, and nothing happening.

Well, more time to play.

[alleycat]

You can view or hide comments (in Word). I'm not that familiar with LO. I have it, but don't usually use it.

[Tirjasdyn]

To change what a file opens in by default (double clicking on it or opening an attachment).

Right click on the file
Go to Open With
Click on Choose Default Program....

Then pick the program you want it to open in. Your files will not disappear in when you uninstall a program as long as you save them in places such as my documents or your desktop. As Alleycat said, uninstall is through Start/Orb menu, control panel, program files (add remove programs in older versions of Windows). Programs done always add themselves to the drop downs depending on the file types associated with them. Works uses the .wks extension. It can open .doc files but it is not the main program for them (Word is) so it won't show in the list.


Either buy Word or download Libreoffice. You will be able to open, edit and save the file in either.

Download the file and save it. Don't open the file file from the internet. Open the file from your harddrive so you can find it later. If the program is not showing up, follow the above procedure, and click on find program on windows, got to the Program files window in the window that comes up and look for the folder for the software and choose the .exe file that starts the program. You may want a comp friendly friend helping you with this.

[Tirjasdyn]

Really? Windows really doesn't know to automatically do a "Save as" when you say to "Save" on a temporary file? It's been a long time since I've spent much time in Windows, but I find that baffling.

depends on the software. Some do some don't. Most downloads from browsers save to the downloads folder under the User folder unless otherwise set.