How to Open Excel 97-2003 in Windows 10

Microsoft Excel is one of the most popular spreadsheet software applications worldwide. Although the latest version of Excel is Excel 2021, there are still some users who prefer to use the earlier versions, such as Excel 97-2003, due to compatibility issues with some legacy software or hardware. However, some users might face difficulties opening Excel 97-2003 files on Windows 10. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps required to open Excel 97-2003 in Windows 10.

Step 1: Locate Excel 97-2003 File

The first step is to locate the Excel 97-2003 file you want to open. If the file is stored on your computer, go to the folder where it is saved. If the file is located on a USB drive or external hard drive, insert the drive into your computer.

Step 2: Double-Click the Excel 97-2003 File

Once you have located the Excel 97-2003 file, double-click on it. If you have Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, or Excel 2019 installed on your computer, Excel will open the file in Compatibility Mode automatically. If you have an earlier version of Excel or do not have Excel installed on your computer, you will need to follow the next steps.

Step 3: Install Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack

To open Excel 97-2003 files in Windows 10, you need to install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. This is a free download available on the Microsoft website. To download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack, follow these steps:

Open a web browser on your computer and go to the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack download page.

Click on the “Download” button.

Select your language and click on the “Download” button.

Read and accept the terms of the license agreement.

Click on the “Download” button again.

Save the file to your computer.

Double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation process.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Step 4: Open Excel 97-2003 File with Compatibility Pack

After you have installed the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack, you can now open Excel 97-2003 files in Windows 10. To open the file, follow these steps:

Go to the folder where the Excel 97-2003 file is located.

Right-click on the file.

Select “Open With” from the context menu.

Select “Microsoft Excel” from the list of programs.

If “Microsoft Excel” is not listed, click on “More apps” and select “Microsoft Excel” from the list of apps.

Check the box next to “Always use this app to open .xls files.”

Click on the “OK” button.

The Excel 97-2003 file will open in Microsoft Excel.

Step 5: Save Excel 97-2003 File in Excel 2010-2021 Format

After you have opened the Excel 97-2003 file in Microsoft Excel, you can save it in Excel 2010-2021 format. To do this, follow these steps:

Click on the “File” menu.

Click on “Save As.”

In the “Save as type” drop-down menu, select “Excel Workbook (*.xlsx).”

Choose a name and location for the file.

Click on the “Save” button.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is Excel 97-2003?

Excel 97-2003 is an earlier version of Microsoft Excel. It is no longer supported by Microsoft and was replaced by newer versions of Excel, such as Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, and Excel 2021.

Why do some people still use Excel 97-2003?

Some people might still use Excel 97-2003 because it is compatible with legacy software or hardware that cannot work with newer versions of Excel. Additionally, some users might prefer the user interface or features of the earlier version of Excel.

Can I open Excel 97-2003 files in Excel 2010-2021 without the Compatibility Pack?

Yes, you can open Excel 97-2003 files in Excel 2010-2021 without the Compatibility Pack. However, you might encounter compatibility issues, and some features might not work correctly. It is recommended to use the Compatibility Pack to ensure proper functionality.

Can I still download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack?

No, Microsoft no longer provides support or downloads for the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. However, you can still download it from third-party websites. Keep in mind that downloading software from third-party websites can be risky, and you should only download from trusted sources.

Can I convert an Excel 97-2003 file to a PDF file?

Yes, you can convert an Excel 97-2003 file to a PDF file. To do this, open the Excel file and click on the “File” menu. Select “Save As” and choose “PDF” from the drop-down menu. Choose a name and location for the file and click on the “Save” button.

Can I edit an Excel 97-2003 file in Excel 2010-2021?

Yes, you can edit an Excel 97-2003 file in Excel 2010-2021. However, some features might not work correctly or might not be available. It is recommended to save the file in Excel 2010-2021 format after editing.

Can I open Excel 97-2003 files on a Mac?

Yes, you can open Excel 97-2003 files on a Mac using Microsoft Excel for Mac. The process is similar to opening Excel 97-2003 files on Windows 10, and you might need to install a Compatibility Pack or use a third-party converter.

Can I open Excel 97-2003 files on mobile devices?

Yes, you can open Excel 97-2003 files on mobile devices using the Microsoft Excel app. However, some features might not work correctly, and you might need to save the file in a different format to ensure proper functionality.

Can I use the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack with other Microsoft Office applications?

Yes, the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack works with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint. It allows you to open and save files in the older file format, ensuring compatibility with legacy software and hardware.

Is it recommended to use Excel 97-2003?

No, it is not recommended to use Excel 97-2003. This version of Excel is no longer supported by Microsoft, and it might pose security risks or encounter compatibility issues with newer software and hardware. It is recommended to use the latest version of Excel or at least Excel 2010-2021 for better functionality and security.