Special offer

HELP!!!! I can't open this file!!!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Simply Vegas Real Estate NV. License BS.507

Ever get files emailed to you from your friends, coworkers, or RE office in Microsoft Office format, but can't open them? Maybe you had office on an old computer, but when you replaced it, didn't know you'd have to shell out for the latest version.

 

Well this might be a solution for you. The forever free open source Open Office from Sun Micro, makers of Java.

 

I have the MS Office software, but my better half has given this a shot, and seems to work well. Everything from powerpoint to xls spread sheets have worked fine. There's also a wizard to covert files from different formats, and you can also export to the universal Adobe Acrobat pdf format. One of his issues has been that people forget that not everyone has the MS software, and that they don't export the files to types that everyone can read, or have access to a free reader. What good is your info if your audience can't see it?

 

So might be something to check out......especially before buying additional licenses for the kid's laptops & desktops for $120. Can't be this price...FREE!  

Randy "Lazarus" McAtee
Lazarus Realty - Fresno, CA
Owner/Broker, Lazarus Realty, Fresno California
i've been using a lot of open source software lately.  luv it
Oct 27, 2007 02:00 PM
Vicky Poe
Good Ole Rocky Top - Crossville, TN
Realtor/ Auctioneer
I have two microsoft programs that have crashed.  It is not fun when you can't open your own files.
Oct 27, 2007 02:04 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Yup, true. With Office 2007 we have the ability to save it in older file to current formats so that's pretty cool. Just have to remember to save that way so everyone can read!

Most of my docs I convert to pdf files anyway to email.....and no matter what ....anyone can download free Adobe Acrobat.

Thanks for your input too.

 

Oct 27, 2007 02:07 PM
Mike and Dawn Lewis
The Lewis Team at Keller Williams - San Diego, CA
The Lewis Team at Keller Williams in San Diego CA

Roberta,

I agree that the open source is a good way to go. That being said I do so much in Word and email it and everyone out their has MS Word. Could I open up a document in word created by Open Office in tact and looking normal?

Mike Lewis

Oct 27, 2007 02:17 PM
Roberta LaRocca
Simply Vegas Real Estate - Las Vegas, NV
REALTOR®, Broker, Salesperson, NV. Lic BS.507

Randy:  It's some good software.

Vicky: Nope, it's not fun.  I've been in that position!

Sally: So many times I got files that I can't open.  Drives me nuts!

Mike: Everything we have tried has opened in tact and could also be edited.

Oct 27, 2007 05:00 PM
Cindy Saling
Award Realty - Surprise, AZ
Smooth Saling with Cindy Saling
Roberta, thanks for the tip, I need all the help I can get.  Have a wonderful day.
Oct 28, 2007 02:03 AM
Faina Sechzer
Henderson-Sotheby's International Realty - Princeton, NJ
Real Estate Expert - Princeton, Montgomery ,Hopewell, NJ
Roberta - my husband did the same thing he got the Open Office. Eventually I had to switch to the Microsoft, because of forgetting to save it in the .doc format, but also because I was having problems with formatting, even when it was converted. So, someone would get my attachment, but it will be all screwed up. Thanks for the info and for stopping by at my blog. Hope to see you soon.
Oct 28, 2007 02:14 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon
The only problem with Open Office that I have seen is sending the files back. You need to remember to export them or the recipient may not be able to open your file either.
Oct 28, 2007 05:05 PM
Sharon Filbig
Prudential California Realty - Escondido, CA
San Diego County Real Estate
Roberta, thanks for the resource.  You never know . . .
Oct 28, 2007 05:09 PM
Roberta LaRocca
Simply Vegas Real Estate - Las Vegas, NV
REALTOR®, Broker, Salesperson, NV. Lic BS.507

Cindy: Glad I could help! 

Faina: Your welcome!

Todd:  Thanks for the information.

Sharon: It's always good to have extra resources.

Oct 28, 2007 05:13 PM
Ulises Romo
Realty One Group - Phoenix, AZ

That bothers me when I download an attachment and it will not open on my computer.

I will probably give that program a shot.

Nov 01, 2007 05:26 PM
Roberta LaRocca
Simply Vegas Real Estate - Las Vegas, NV
REALTOR®, Broker, Salesperson, NV. Lic BS.507
Ulises: I know what you mean!  Hope it helps you.
Nov 01, 2007 05:59 PM