Excel 2007 compatibility

[freeztar]

Is it possible to add support for .xlsx files, from Excel 2007? It's not a big deal, but I had to hurdle it today and save as Excel 2003 format .xls, which was almost 3x larger in file size.

Again, not a big deal, but if it's easy to implement then it keeps the site "up-to-date" and could potentially decrease server storage and user storage (albeit probably only by a small amount since spreadsheets don't get attached to posts too often, and they're generally in the double-digit kb range).

[C1ay]

IMO it would make more sense if spreadsheets were converted to OpenOffice Calc or a pdf file. The only members that could use the new Excel format are those with a copy of the new Excel.

[freeztar]

Originally Posted by C1ay

IMO it would make more sense if spreadsheets were converted to OpenOffice Calc or a pdf file. The only members that could use the new Excel format are those with a copy of the new Excel.

Good point C1ay. Nonetheless, if it's as simple as clicking a box and typing in "xlsx", then I see no harm. Else, ignore this request completely.

Can OO open xlsx? I don't have it installed currently.

[C1ay]

Originally Posted by freeztar

Good point C1ay. Nonetheless, if it's as simple as clicking a box and typing in "xlsx", then I see no harm...

Can OO open xlsx?...

Enabling it was simple so I've done so. It is a format I don't think the majority of our membership can open. I don't have Excel 2007 myself and OpenOffice doesn't list the file extension either. I'll also add that I have no intention of buying any MS Office products since I wouldn't get my money's worth out of them so I'll not have the option to use xlsx files until they are added to OO or Google Spreadsheets.

[freeztar]

Thanks C1ay.
Unfortunately, I feel that you are right on the capatibility issues and I'll keep that in mind when sharing spreadsheets.

In all honesty, I prefer earlier versions of Excel (2003 was good) but I purchased 2007 because it was offered through my company for only $20 for the whole MS Office suite. A new laptop and my unfavorable view of OO made it an easy purchasing decision.

[Tormod]

xlsx format can be opened by older versions of Office by downloading a "small" converter from Microsoft. I needed to open a 24KB Word 2007 docx file, and the converter was only 28 Megabytes.

[Boerseun]

The .docx and .xlsx formats only existing, of course, to ensure a new round of sales of the new Office package.

Would you buy a car from a guy who tells you that from next year, your car physically won't fit on the roads anymore?

GRRR to the extreme....

[Mercedes Benzene]

I think you can open a .xlsx document with Microsoft Works Spreadsheet.

That's at least free.

[freeztar]

Originally Posted by Mercedes Benzene

I think you can open a .xlsx document with Microsoft Works Spreadsheet.

That's at least free.

I don't doubt that Microsoft Works (MW) Spreadsheet (especially the newer versions) can open .xlsx files, but MW is definitely not free (though it comes standard on a lot of new PC's).

Microsoft Works Home

It's a "poor-man's" office suite, but it's the perfect fit for, imho, around 99% of all PC users. I always find it bemusing that people will insist on having Word when they could get by just fine writing their letters on MW (or notepad for that matter ). Or OO...etc.

I'd put my own self in that category, but only 90% of the time. I love the modularity and utility of Excel.

[Mercedes Benzene]

I just assumed Works was free because the last time I was at Costco, they were handing out free Microsoft Works CDs to anyone who wanted one.