Microsoft has updated their Office product and introduced a new file format into the mix. For years, Microsoft's Word files were denoted as a .doc file, Excel as .xls, and Powerpoint as .ppt. The files in the new format come with an x tacked on to the end of the filename. So, .doc becomes .docs, .xls becomes .xlsx, and .ppt becomes .pptx.

What to do, what to do, when someone sends you a copy of the file in the newer format if you don't have it. Here are some suggestions.

Buy the new software. For the best levels of compatibility, you can't beat having the exact same program as the sender. You can buy a copy here. There are a number of different permutations of the product depending upon your needs. If you already own a copy of Microsoft Office, then check out the upgrade options.

There are some other options as well...

1. Contact the original author and indicate that you can't open their file. Ask them to go to "File" and "Save As" and revert to an earlier version of the file format. That should continue to ensure compatibility.

2. Find a friend who has a copy of Office 2007 and owes you a favour! Give them the file and have them perform step #1 for you.

3. Use OpenOffice. Version 3 of this open source software does a pretty good job of opening files saved in the new format.

4. Download and install Microsoft's Compatibility pack. Fortunately, Microsoft has a package for older versions of its product (XP and 2003) that will allow you to open files stored in the new format.

5. Use a web service to do the conversion for you. The concept is simple, you upload your file, the service converts it and sends it back to you. Here are some that are ready to go for you.

• http://www.docx2doc.com/
• http://www.zamzar.com/
• http://www.zoho.com/

Macintosh user? You might want to check this out.

• http://osx.iusethis.com/app/docxconverter

So, there are many ways to skin this cat. Find the one that work best for you and your purposes. A lot will depend upon how often you have to do the conversion.

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