how can i open a older version of a word document into word 2007?

Do this:

1. Press CTRL/O to bring up the Open dialog box.

2. In the list box over the Open and Cancel buttons, find and select Word 97-2003 Document.

3. Navigate to the folder with the document and select the document.

4. Click Open.

Here's how to set up those documents so Word 2007 will open them when you double-click on them.

In Windows XP:

1.In Windows Explorer, find a .doc file.

2.Right-click on it and select Open With.

3.If MS Word shows up, select it.

4.If it does not, click the Browse button. Navigate to the directory C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12. Find and select the file winword.exe.

5.In either case, check the checkbox Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.

6.Click OK.

In Windows Vista:

1.In Windows Explorer, find a .doc file.

2.Right-click on it and select Open With. If a menu pops up, select Choose Default Program.

3.Go to Step 3, above.

Hope that helps.

Word 2007 can open any older versions - there is no issue. At work we have a mixed 2003/2007 shop, and my wife sends me 2003 work all of the time.

If you are running into problems then it must be something else. Perhaps if you gave details we could help.

Try Open Office which is always available for free from

http://openoffice.org/