I'm still running 2002, need to open .xlsm file

[ginahoy]

Here's an Excel based tool I need to check out:
http://energy.sandia.gov/?page_id=8047

I'm still running Excel 2002 (MS Office XP). As I understand it, I need a conversion program. An Internet search turned up a bunch of options but the first couple I tried weren't what I was expecting. I'm sure with persistence...

Instead, I searched this forum and found a thread where someone recommends the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3

Wait. I think I already installed that (checking...). OK, I installed "Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office System" several years ago. It enables me to open docx files, however, I can't open xlsx and pptx files. The "Pack" I installed was version 12, so it must be a different program than the above linked pack, which is only up to version 4. Will that one allow me to open and work with xlsm, xlsx and pptx files? If so, do I need to first uninstall the previous pack?

Thanks

 

[mvptomlinson]

This should be the file you need: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3

You say you already have the compatibility pack installed, which should suffice unless it was only for Word and not Word/Excel/PP. Instructions are on the download page.

 

[ginahoy]

Thanks for the reply. The only thing I can say about the previous pack is what's listed in the "Add / Remove Programs" list, which displays the title as listed in my previous post. You'd think a compatibility pack with Office in the name would work for all three.

Just to be safe, I'm going to uninstall before installing the new version.

 

[ginahoy]

I tried installing the Compatibility Pack linked above. No cigar. Like the previous version, it adds a context menu "Open with" option: Microsoft Open XML Converter. This works on pptx and xlsx files, but does not work for the above-linked xlsm file. It reports "The converter failed to save the file."

I also tried a free converter I just downloaded. It also gives an error message.

Could someone check to see if the file is valid? It's posted on the Sandia National Labs website so it should be good. I need to test drive the tool for a client.

http://energy.sandia.gov/wp/wp-content/gallery/uploads/PV_Value_v1.0.zip

Perhaps someone can "save as" xls and forward to my email addy? I've already spent way more time than budgeted on this. I would be grateful. My email is ginahoy at aol dot com

Thanks
David Butler

 

[xenou]

I tried converting your file to xls and it cannot be done (edit: without lost information) - the file uses features that are not backward compatible. I'm afraid I don't have any answers about XL2002 and xlsm formats - you might consider upgrading as 2002 is 10 years old now. I don't think it is even officially supported anymore.

 

[ginahoy]

I tried converting your file to xls and it cannot be done (edit: without lost information) - the file uses features that are not backward compatible. I'm afraid I don't have any answers about XL2002 and xlsm formats - you might consider upgrading as 2002 is 10 years old now. I don't think it is even officially supported anymore.

Thanks for checking this for me. Just to make sure I understand, does this mean even the original author can't simply "save as" xls, but would have to re-work the macros for 2002 compatibility?

I loath upgrading anything, not because I don't want to spend the $, but because I don't want to be slowed down by any UI or functional changes. I'm still running XP SP2, and was still running ME in mid-2008 (!). Heck, I still use a couple of DOS programs ever day! But at some point, I guess you cave.