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Office 2007 Migration

Office 2007 Migration

Microsoft has recently launched its newest version of Office 2007. In order to maintain the cutting edge technology that helps to provide superior service to our Employees, Students and Community, CPCC will begin testing and migration of faculty/staff workstations to Office 2007 this fall.

New File Format – Compatibility Issues with Earlier Office Versions

The new default file format is XML (Extensible Markup Language). The new format is indicated with an “x” in the file extension. For instance, Word documents are .docx; Excel are .xlsx, etc. Users who have previous versions of Office may not to be able to open files in the new formats. The two resolutions below should resolve this potential problem.

Resolution – All CPCC Workstations have

Resolution for Home Equipment – Recommended for ALL faculty and staff. Download the Compatibility Pack from Microsoft. Installation of this Compatibility Pack will allow you to open, edit, and save files using these new file formats. This download requires that previously released updates for Microsoft Office have been applied. NOTE: You must have administrator access to your computer to install the update. If you need assistance, please contact your IT support person. Click to download Compatibility Pack

* * NOTE to MAC users – There is NO compatibility pack available at this time.

Resolution 2 – Faculty should instruct students using Office 2007 to use the "Save As" option to save files down to the Office 97 – 2003 version. To do so, click the Microsoft Icon (Office Button) in the upper-left corner of the application screen, select Save As. In the Save as type: field, select 97 – 2003 for the application you are using. This saves the file in compatibility mode so that others using older versions of Office can open and use the files. We have created a script to change the default save file format for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

New Interface

Office 2007 has a significantly different interface from previous versions. Instead of the menus and toolbars users are accustomed to, there is a new “Ribbon” interface.

Learn about changes in Office 2007

Who is using Office 2007?

New purchasing computers will likely have Office 2007 installed.
Some faculty and staff have begun using Office 2007.
All Faculty/Staff workstations will be gradually migrated to Office 2007.

Features and Benefits of Office 2007

The new file format makes files sizes smaller.
New formats are easily applied in all applications.
A document inspector can find and remove comments and user information.
Microsoft has a download to allow saving files in .pdf format.
Excel files are expanded to 1 million rows and 16,000 columns. Charting is simplified.
Word has an enhanced document comparison feature. Improved and new features for creating tables of contents, managing sources, and creating bibliographies have been added.
PowerPoint has new options for handling pictures and graphics.

Potential Problems

Excel macros may not work as in previous versions.
When you save in compatibility mode (97 – 2003), a screen displays indicating that some features may not work in the compatibility mode. This could waste time for some users and/or require additional testing to make sure it works properly in the compatibility mode on a computer with Office 2003.

Learning curve to get users familiar with the new interface and features.

Training Options

Training will be provided in both in person and online. Additional details regarding the training and schedule will be available in December 2007.

Microsoft Vista

At the time the College does not provide support for Microsoft Vista as your computer operating system.

ITS is testing this operating system for possible future use.

For Questions and Support
If you have questions or concerns about Office 2007, please email: helpdesk@cpcc.edu

Recommend Online Training

Introduction

Office 2007 Introduction Video

Up to speed with the 2007 Office system

Keyboard shortcuts in the 2007 Office system