MS Office 2010 64 bit

[Kyle1886]

Will MS Office 2010 64 bit read previous versions of MS Office? I'm more concerned with version 2003 at the moment. If any of you users of Office 64 bit have had issues I'd be interested in your take. (The same for Win-7 64x)

Thank you

[sned45]

Yes, Office 2010 x64 is backwards compatible with Office 2003. We are currently running a mixed environment of Win 7 x64 w/Office 2010 and XP w/Office 2003 or 2007 and so far no issues have come up.

[Kyle1886]

Would I be better off in the long run just going to 2007 from 2003 in the x32 bit with Win 7 x64?

Thanks

[G1500]

Might as well get the latest version.

I believe docx is compatible with all versions, if not, there is a patch that will allow all versions to read the new versions. 2007/2010 will read regular .doc files.

[JDay]

Microsoft has a bad track record when it comes to compatibility with documents created in different versions of Office.

[G1500]

^^^

User error and neglecting to update and get patches also cause compatibility issues.

[Blackhawk556]

they released a patch that fixed a lot of the docx errors a long time ago. You really shouldn't have any problems any more. Anything can happen though, but I doubt it.

Microsoft has a bad track record when it comes to compatibility with documents created in different versions of Office.

^^^

User error and neglecting to update and get patches also cause compatibility issues.

[G1500]

Everything is backwards compatible out of the box (almost), the problem is with people who had old versions of Word or Open Office and did not have the current updates to accept the new file formats.

2007 and 2010 are almost the same as far as everything is concerned, I believe 2010 has a x64 version though. It really doesn't matter. I prefer to run the latest versions of programs, in a x64 if possible. If you are buying it, check the prices, if it is pennies on the dollar for 2007 get that, if it is close, get the latest version. If you are getting a pirated version or a enterprise/blue edition, definitely go with the latest.

[brianinca]

M$ explicitly says unless you MUST HAVE extremely large spreadsheets in Excel, there is NO reason to use x64 Office 2010. If you're concerned about it, go look at the guides and other tech info M$ has published in the last year. Having had licenses for x64 Office 2010 since GA, I've yet to have a reason to install it even for testing purposes.

Office 2010 x86 runs perfectly on Win XP x86, Vista x86 and x64, and Win7 x86 and x64. I've personally installed and run Office 2010 Pro+ on all of the above OS's, to add two terminal server installs on Server 2008 R2 (which is x64 only). My everyday desktop is a Win7 x64 with Office 2010 x86, I find it a very pleasing upgrade from 2K3.

I've been working with a client for the last month that is migrating 600 users from WinXP/Office 2K3 to Win7/Office 2010. The already installed Office 2007 Compatibility Toolkit is taking care of document format issues as the conversion grind through the next month, and while most clients will be Win7 x86, the 3 dozen or so "workstation" with Win7 x64 are doing just fine. Document conversions from old Office have yet to be a problem with a diverse group of users.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[desertdweller]

The x32 or x64 doesn't matter if you are talking about backward compatibility with Office 2003. After Office 2007, an extension of .docx or .xlsx or any other "x" tells you that is was saved in a 2007 or newer version.

I don't like Office 2007 but I do like Office 2010. Both are a learning curve vs 2003 and older, though.

If you are an IT Professional, seriously take a look at investing in TechNet or an MSDN subscription. The main difference is MDSN includes developer stuff like Visual Basic. I personally have had both and prefer TechNet because I don't program stuff. What this does is exactly your question. Install the latest and test it in an environment that is mirrored to your own and see if your company needs to make any changes or upgrade to infrastructure.

[G1500]

M$ explicitly says unless you MUST HAVE extremely large spreadsheets in Excel, there is NO reason to use x64 Office 2010. If you're concerned about it, go look at the guides and other tech info M$ has published in the last year. Having had licenses for x64 Office 2010 since GA, I've yet to have a reason to install it even for testing purposes.

Office 2010 x86 runs perfectly on Win XP x86, Vista x86 and x64, and Win7 x86 and x64. I've personally installed and run Office 2010 Pro+ on all of the above OS's, to add two terminal server installs on Server 2008 R2 (which is x64 only). My everyday desktop is a Win7 x64 with Office 2010 x86, I find it a very pleasing upgrade from 2K3.

I've been working with a client for the last month that is migrating 600 users from WinXP/Office 2K3 to Win7/Office 2010. The already installed Office 2007 Compatibility Toolkit is taking care of document format issues as the conversion grind through the next month, and while most clients will be Win7 x86, the 3 dozen or so "workstation" with Win7 x64 are doing just fine. Document conversions from old Office have yet to be a problem with a diverse group of users.

Regards,
Brian in CA

I really have no need for Windows 7 Pro, let alone running x64. I would do just as well with an x86 of Windows Home basic version.