Default Excel 2003 to open all files over 2007

nitro2481 · 12 Jun 2016

Hey guys,
First time posting here.

I have Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007 installed on my laptop and using windows 10. Laptop came with 2007 but 99% of my excel use is for work and they use 2003. So rather than downgrade (seemed silly) I installed 2003 also. Everytime I open an excel file either .xls or .xlsx it opens in 2007. Does anyone know if it is possible to set 2003 as the default program for all these files. I have done the basics like settings, default programs, but when I go to file type and find .xls & .xlsx the only programs I can set for these are Microsoft Office Excel. It does not let me choose between versions.

At the moment I have to open 2003 and then the file. Not a huge problem but if possible would like to make 2003 the default.

davidhk · 12 Jun 2016

I don't have an answer for you.
Just to remind you that Excel 2003 can NOT open xlsx files, unless you install the compatibility pack.
Only 2007 and high versions are able to open xlsx by default.

Why don't you just use the 2007.
When you are ready to save the work > Office button > Save As > at Save as type, click the pointer and select Excel 97-2003 Workbook (.xls) > Save.
That way all your office excel 2003 computers will be able to open and edit it.

Default Excel 2003 to open all files over 2007-excel....-save-type.jpg

flybynite · 12 Jun 2016

You don't need Excel 2003. Excel 2007 is capable of doing anything 2003 can, and you can always save in compatibility for 2003. You can even do this with the newest 2016.

nitro2481 · 12 Jun 2016

Main problem with that is just taking conditional formatting as an example. 2003 only allows 3. Where 2007 allows more. If I was to spend a few hours setting up a spreadsheet on 2007 to find out when I save it that some of the functions would not work on 2003 it would have been a waste of time. Yes I'm aware of conditional formatting now so therefore won't make that error but I'm sure there's a lot I could do on 2007 that would not be compatible with 2003 in work.

davidhk · 12 Jun 2016

nitro2481 said:

Main problem with that is just taking conditional formatting as an example. 2003 only allows 3. Where 2007 allows more. If I was to spend a few hours setting up a spreadsheet on 2007 to find out when I save it that some of the functions would not work on 2003 it would have been a waste of time. Yes I'm aware of conditional formatting now so therefore won't make that error but I'm sure there's a lot I could do on 2007 that would not be compatible with 2003 in work.

............. Laptop came with 2007 ........................
Is the 2007 product key also included ?

nitro2481 · 12 Jun 2016

No it wasn't brand new. Is there a way of maybe untinstalling 2007 just keeping the the .exe file so I can install it when ever I want. Not a huge techie. Probably a silly question.

davidhk · 12 Jun 2016

nitro2481 said:

No it wasn't brand new. Is there a way of maybe untinstalling 2007 just keeping the the .exe file so I can install it when ever I want. Not a huge techie. Probably a silly question.

That was why I asked if you have the 2007 product key.
I was think of uninstalling it and save the product key for later use.

Apparently that plan of mine goes out in smoke.

I don't think I can help you any further.
Sorry.

nitro2481 · 12 Jun 2016

Not to worry. Obviously cannot be done so. Thanks for your time.