Computer cluelessness

[hildy89]

Okay, dumb question, how do you convert Word Perfect files to MS Word? I'm trying to get at one of my old stories and it keeps prompting for the disk, which I can't find. Is there another way around?

Comments

[rainfallsautumn.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to figure out what the problem is? Usually it prompts for disk because the last thing you opened was on disk. Open something on your hard drive and it should fix that.

(Convert as far as opening, or saving?)

[hildy.livejournal.com]

Converting as far as opening the file. Every time I try to open it, it tries to find the "importer" program which I guess Dell didn't install and wants the original disc. I'm seeing if it will open on my old ancient laptop.

[rainfallsautumn.livejournal.com]

Oh. You mean the install CD, and not that it's running around looking for a floppy?

What version of Word is it saved in, and what version of WP are you running? If it's an old WP and a new Word, you may well be screwed. (Goes back to that whole "why I like plaintext" discussion, doesn't it? ;)

[hildy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's the install disk it wanted. I'll have to rummage around and see if I can find it. At least I hope Dell included it with all the others.

Fortunately I still have my ancient copy of Word Perfect 5.1 installed on the old laptop. Say what I will about obsolete technology, but it uses Dos prompts, so if Windows gets screwed up, I can still use it! File is mostly saved. Now whether the story itself can be saved may be a different critter...

[jennetj.livejournal.com]

Check Microsoft's website for converters. It's possible they may have a download online that can do the trick if you can't find the original Word disk.