This step-by-step article describes how to save a Microsoft Works document for use in an earlier version of Works.

Overview

If you want to open your Works word-processing, spreadsheet or database document in an earlier version of Works, you must first save the document in the later version of Works by using a file format that is supported by the earlier version of Works.

For example, if you want to use Microsoft Works 4.5 to open a word-processing document that was created in Microsoft Works 7.0, use Works 7.0 to save the document as a Works 4.x for Windows (*.wps) file, and then use Works 4.5 to open it.

Generally, you retain most, if not all, of the information and formatting of the original document. However, you may notice some minor differences. If the document that was created in the later version of Works contains formatting that is not supported in the earlier version of Works, that formatting may not be preserved when you save the file and then open it in the earlier version of Works.

Note Before you use the following method, make sure that your Works document does not contain embedded objects or mail merge fields. You cannot use this procedure for Works documents that contain OLE objects, links to other documents, or mail merge fields. These elements are not retained when you save the file by using a format from an earlier version of Works.

How to Save a Works Document for Use in an Earlier Version of Works

To save a Works document for use in an earlier version of Works, follow these steps:

1. Start the Works program that you want, and then open your document.
2. On the File menu, click Save As.
3. In the Save As dialog box, click the down-arrow next to the Files of type box.
4. Click the file format that is appropriate for the earlier version of Works that you want to open this file with.
   
   Note If a file format for the earlier version of Works that you want to use is not displayed in the list, click a file format for the version of Works previous to the version that you want to use. For example, if you want to open a Works 7.0 spreadsheet in Works 6.0, click Works 4.x/2000 (*.wks).
5. Specify a location where you want to save the file, type a name for the file in the File name box, and then click Save.
6. On the File menu, click Exit to quit Works.

You will retain most, if not all, of the information and formatting of the original document. However, you may notice some minor differences. For example, if a document contains formatting that is not supported in Works Suite 2002 or Works 6.0, that formatting may not be preserved.

For more information about opening documents that are created in earlier versions of Works, click Works Help on the Help menu, type opening documents created in earlier versions of Works in the Answer Wizard box, and then click Search to view the topic. For additional information about sharing Works files with other programs, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: