Office 2003 SP3 "Old Files" Workaround Posted

Didn't get a chance to post this due to CES shenanigans, so here's the news in case you missed it: Microsoft, reacting to criticism over its removal (or hiding, anyway) of support for old file formats in Office 2003, has made it significantly easier for you to restore this functionality to your PC.

As previously announced, a series of complicated registry hacks were formerly required to re-allow Office 2003 with Service Pack 3 to open files created with old applications.

Now, thanks to Microsoft's David LeBlanc, all you need to do is download a few .reg files (depending on which applications you need old file support re-enabled for), and quickly run them on your PC.

You can find the .reg files here. Just scroll down to where you see "The .reg files you can use to change the security settings..." You'll want the first four links (starting with "To re-enable..."). The four below that are designed to let you restore the blocking behavior implemented in the Service Pack if you change your mind.

Just download each file you need (it's a good idea to quit all Office apps before continuing), double-click the file on your desktop after it's downloaded, and select Yes at the prompt. That's it. Sure beats mucking around in the registry by hand!

LINK: Office SP3 and File formats