Technology Update

What is the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac and why do I need it?
The Open XML File Format Converter for Mac gives Microsoft Office 2004 users the ability to open files that were created using the Microsoft Office 2007/2008 suite of applications (e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint). If you have Microsoft Office 2004 and you receive files that have .docx, .xlsx or .pptx extensions on the end of the file name then you will want to read and follow the instructions below. The converter will give you the capability to open those file types. If you have Microsoft Office 2008, you do not need to install or use the converter.

In order to be able to use the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac, you must have Mac OS 10.4.9 or later installed. To check if you have 10.4.9 or later, go to the Apple menu and choose “About this Mac.”

If you have Mac OS 10.3.9 or earlier, you cannot install and use the converter, so you can stop reading this now. If you have Mac OS 10.4 but it is earlier than 10.4.9 then you can use Software Update under the Apple menu to update your computer to the latest version. Then you can continue with these instructions.

You now need to make sure that Microsoft Office 2004 is up-to-date before you can install the converter. To do that, locate the Macintosh HD icon located on your desktop and double-click it. Then locate and double-click the Applications folder. Locate and double-click the Microsoft AutoUpdate application. Click the “Check for Updates” button. If you get an error message, make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet before clicking the “Check for Updates” button a second time. It will check for any updates. If there are updates available, it will alert you, and you can download and install them right from that application. The most recent update is Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.2 Update. If you have never updated your Microsoft Office Application, you will likely have several updates to download and install.

Once you have updated Microsoft Office 2004 to the latest version, you can click http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/4/f/f4f487c3-2d94-4641-937e-0e7564c754bc/OpenXMLConverter101.dmg to download the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac. Once the file is downloaded, you will need to locate and double-click on the file named OpenXMLConverter101.dmg. It will probably be located on your desktop. A new window will appear. Double-click on the file named Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.0.1.mpkg to start the installation. You will need to click the Continue button several times and the Agree button. You will need to click on the Macintosh HD icon then click the Continue and Install button to start the install. You will need to enter the admin password (which is usually aea11) and click the OK button. It will then install the converter. Click the Close button to exit the installer.

That completes the installation of the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac. You should now be able to open documents that were created with the latest version of Office.