The latest version of Microsoft Office (2007) involves a change in the file format and the extensions used.  For example, MS Word 2007 uses .docx instead of .doc, and MS Excel uses .xlsx instead of .xls. 

Freshmen and other students with new Windows computers will likely have Office 2007.  While someone using Office 2007 can choose to save their files in an earlier format, a more reliable solution is to install this pack which will allow you to open their files directly from earlier versions of Office.

Note:  This pack is being installed in the PC labs and will be automatically available there prior to the start of the Fall term 2007.

Windows PCs

Faculty and staff on campus with Windows PCs are typically running Office XP or Office 2003.  In order for you to read or edit work that students submit from Office 2007 (such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files), please download the MS Office Compatibility Pack.

• Save the file to your desktop or other convenient location.
• Double click on the file to install it.

  Minimum System Requirements for this pack are:

  • Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
  • Office 2000 with Service Pack 3
  • Office 2002 with Service Pack 3
  • Office 2003 with Service Pack 1

  Find more information on the Microsoft website.

Apple Computers

Faculty and staff on campus with Apple machines are typically running Office 2004.  In order for you to read or edit Word or PowerPoint files (Excel converter not available) that students submit from Office 2007, please go to the Microsoft web site and download the Microsoft Office Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 0.2.1 (Beta).  Please note this is a beta release and may have some unknown issues.

• Save the file to your desktop.
• Double-click the file that you downloaded to place the Office Open XML Converter volume on your desktop, and then double-click the Office Open XML Converter volume to open it. This step might have been performed for you.
• In the Office Open XML Converter volume window, double-click the Install Open XML Converter application to start the update process, and then follow the instructions on the screen

Minimum System Requirements for this pack are:

• Mac OS X 10.4.8 (Tiger) or a later version of Mac OS
• Office 2004 11.3.4 or later, or Office v. X 10.1.9 or later

Find more information on the Microsoft website.

If you have any problems contact:  MicroSupport@tntech.edu or your College ITS contact