Greetings All, This is just a quick note to let you know the easy way to open .docX files, if you haven’t yet succumbed to and been assimilated by MSFTs last attempt to take over planet earth by the addition of “X” to the more traditional file extensions. F1*** My preferred method is to download the free ( open source ) office package called “Open Office” from www.openoffice.org OO requires no version of MSFT Office to be installed. It is a complete alternative to MSFT Office Professional and will open all MSFT office files including the X files. It will also save in MSFT compatible formats so others that only have MSFT Office can read your documents. F2*** Open Office is a fully functional and totally FREE alternative to the more common MSFT ( Microsoft ) Office package and is kept current and competitive with the newest MSFT releases. OO is just as functional as the best of the best MSFT Office products / packages, has all of the same tools, although they needed to be called by different names for obvious reasons. Word = Writer Excel = Calc Powerpoint = Impress It’s an easy download and also an easy installation. ------------- There is also an “office compatibility package” released my MSFT but it requires a previous version of MSFT Office to be installed. ------------- F1*** “File Extensions” are like last (family) names. MSFT Windows, by default, has most extensions turned off and hidden, so it’s like going to a high school reunion where the name tags have only first names. You might get lucky and figure out that John is really John Biggs and not John Sparks but isn’t it better to know for sure right from the git go? If you want to enable seeing extensions for known file types then open any folder and choose Tools > Folder Options > View and uncheck “hide extensions for known file types” If you don’t see Tools at the top, ALT+T on your keyboard, will expose the hidden menu. ------------- F2*** Use the “Save as Type” drop down menu when saving and choose the correct extension for MSFT. You can also reopen previously saved files and resave them in MSFT compatible formats. ------------- If you have any problems with the 2 foot notes give me a call and I’ll help you out for free. Happy Independence Day! Steve Karl The Pittsburgh PC Help Desk 412-441-4349