Office x-extension files are saved with an x added to the end of the extension. For example, the previous extension of .doc would save as .docx in Word 2007 and 2008 (.ppt becomes .pptx, etc). We will use .abcx in this document to stand for any Office 2007 or 2008 file.

.abcx files can not be opened by Office for Mac 2004 or v.X, but can be created or viewed in Office 2008 for Mac. Microsoft has created a converter so that legacy Mac users can open Word or Powerpoint .abcx files. This help document will review how to install the converter and how to open an .abcx file.

It is best to install the converter with the most recent version of Office, so use the Check for Updates (in 2004) or Downloads and Updates (in v.X) option in the Help dropdown menu of any Office program (Word, Excel, etc). Select the most recent update for the entire Office Suite, and install it. Close all Office applications.

Go to the [ http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.mspx?pid=Mactopia_Office2004&fid=AB66B5BF-37C3-41BB-945E-784782FC582C#viewer ] Microsoft Download page and select the English (.dmg) link in the Details box (you will have to scroll down to get to it). Save the file to disk, open the .dmg file, and run the installer. The installer will AUTOMATICALLY install the program to your Applications folder (meaning you will NOT have to drag it yourself).

Once the converter is installed, you can convert .abcx files. Save or drag an .abcx file to your desktop or local folder (the converter does not work if you open directly from an external drive). Following are two ways to convert an .abcx file:

Control-click on the file. Hover over Open With and select Office Open XML Converter.app from the menu.

OR, Open the Office Open XML Converter program from your Applications folder. Drag the .abcx file into the program's interface.

The file will be converted and saved. The converter will automatically open the appropriate Office program and display the converted file.