How to convert older Office files to new Office file formats

Why convert old files to a new file format?

While Microsoft continues to support older file formats (.doc, .xls, and .ppt) for legacy and compatibility reasons, these files may be blocked by default for security reasons, especially if they contain macros. This is one of the ways TSS is working to protect the college from cyber crime attempts. This means if you are sending an email with an older file format, as listed below, they may get caught in quarantine or be blocked from sending all together. 

Primary Legacy Formats:

• Word (97-2003)
  • .doc - Microsoft Word 97–2003 Document
  • .dot - Microsoft Word 97–2003 Template
  • .wbk - Word Backup Document
• PowerPoint (97-2003)
  • .ppt - Microsoft PowerPoint 97–2003 Presentation
  • .pot - PowerPoint Template
  • .pps - PowerPoint Slideshow
  • .ppa - PowerPoint Add-in
• Excel (97-2003)
  • .xls - Microsoft Excel 97–2003 Workbook
  • .xlt - Excel Template
  • .xlm - Excel Macro

📌 Note: 

• Microsoft Office 97–2003 used binary compound files (.doc, .xls, .ppt) as the default for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications. These formats are now considered legacy and are no longer the default in newer Office versions, but they are still supported for compatibility.
   
• Microsoft will automatically default to saving files in the newest file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) when these files are created in and/or saved to OneDrive storage. This is a great reason to make sure all your files are backed up and saving to OneDrive.
   
• If you must keep legacy files, store them in their original format and back them up, but consider converting them for long-term use to avoid compatibility issues.​​​​​​​

How to convert your file to the new Office format

To update a file to the correct file format:

1. Open the file you wish to convert on your computer and select File in the top left corner.
2. Then click Save As.
3. Once the new window opens, select the drop-down menu labeled Save As Type and select Word Document.
4. After selecting Word Document, click Save.

📌 You may occasionally see an option to convert a file to the newest file format. This is not the recommended method as it still requires you to save the file as a separate file type. This is just the steps we listed above with extra steps to start with. 

Image guide for converting your files into a new file format

Support Options 

We offer multiple ways to get support to ensure you receive the help you need:

• Here are some articles directly from Microsoft's website:
  • Converting documents to a newer format - Microsoft Support
  • Change the default file format for saving workbooks - Microsoft Support
• Department phone number: 206-546-5872 for questions
• Submit a service request right here on the website by selecting Services at the top of the screen. 
  • Locate the TSS Category and submit a request form that matches the type of service you need.