Office 97 no longer compatible after 1709 update

Paul Bacon · 19 Nov 2017

Hello All,

I have been using the Word and Excel programs from Office 97 flawlessly until Microsoft's recent update.

I have already tried uninstalling then re-installing.

I've used the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and the "issues found" lists "incompatible program."

In fact, though, Word will open without issues. It's just the Excel program which tries to open, then reports Excel.exe has stopped working, and sends a report to Microsoft.

Is this Microsoft deliberately rendering the program useless, or, perhaps, a problem with the update?

Any help is appreciated!
Paul

Caledon Ken · 19 Nov 2017

Hi Paul Bacon

Office 2007 and everything older is no longer supported. Doesn't mean it won't work but there is no support. Unfortunately this means they will also not code the OS to ensure compatibility. I'm very surprised that it has worked this long. There are product announcements you can reference. MS supports things generally for 10 years.

If you want a free, excellent alternative download and install Libre Office available at libreoffice.org.

It will handle 99% of the items found in Office.

Ken

Edit: If you have an Outlook.com (hotmail, live or MSN domain) you can use the new Office products online.

debsawyer · 19 Nov 2017

The online version of Office is great to use, and also Google Drive. Go to office.com and/or googledrive.com.

Caledon Ken · 19 Nov 2017

I think you still need an Outlook.com (or other names) for Office or a gmail account to use googledrive.

I like the office.com link, didn't know I could access there as well. Thanks

Paul Bacon · 19 Nov 2017

Thank you for your explanations and suggestions. I'm sorry to lose the programs but I'll look into your suggestions for replacement.

Thanks for the help!

Caledon Ken · 19 Nov 2017

The online versions are very good but you have to be online. Libre Office is not exactly the same but a very nice product.

debsawyer · 19 Nov 2017

You can use Google Drive in offline mode.

Caledon Ken · 19 Nov 2017

I learned a couple of things today. Thanks for posting.

debsawyer · 19 Nov 2017

No problem [emoji6].

MikeinGrange · 19 Nov 2017

Another contribution to this thread ... I still use Excel 2003, and it works fine for me after the 1709 update.