Working with Microsoft Works, saving for Microsoft Office

Many entry-level Windows computers come with Microsoft Works installed on them. This a program that includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics, all in one program. It is not as complex as the individual programs that make up the Microsoft Office Suite. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) Unfortunately, Works documents cannot be opened by users of many other programs. Often schools do not have Works installed on school computers.

To open a Works file in Word or Excel:

• Launch the appropriate application program
• From the File menu, select Open (you may have to show All File Types which may entail scrolling up or down in the selections)
• If the file does not open, it is likely that the appropriate translators were not installed when Office was installed. Unfortunately, someone needs to go back and install the translators. Or you can take emergency measures and convert it with a web tool

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