Office 97 & windows 2000

[Andy74]

I installed windows 2000 and Office 97. Every time I open an existing Word document I get an error message "Document already used by USER - do you want to create a copy?"

At this point I can hit OK (which will give me more error messages) or CANCEL (which works OK - I can access the file)

This only happens when I physically browse to the file (not through FILE - OPEN in Word), and also if it's the first file I'm openning (IF word Is already open, I can browse to the file and double click on it - no error messages appear).

Also I can't install MS update #2 for Office 97, Service Pack #1 installed fine.

I have Office 2K on a disk as well, but because the way it's handling international characters (CTRL-ALT + special character doesn't work as in previous releases) I'm sick of it.

I also should mention this is a completely fresh install of WIN2K and OFFICE 97 (after reformatting).

Thanks for any help

 

[HansXP]

When I was first thinking of getting Win2K, I went to the MS website and looked up any compatiblity problems it had with my other software. Office 97 SR-1 was one of the pieces that was listed in the "doesn't work" category. However, it listed Office 97 SR-2 as being compatible. So, if I were you, I might be on the lookout for a copy of Office 97 SR-2. Could solve your problems.

 

[rw120555]

<< I have Office 2K on a disk as well, but because the way it's handling international characters (CTRL-ALT + special character doesn't work as in previous releases) I'm sick of it. >>



I'm not sure how this is changed -- but if this is the only thing holding you back, couldn't you just use the autocorrect feature in word to make substitutions the way you want? Or, go to Tools/Customize/Options/Keyboard, and then create new shortcuts for Symbol (Category: Insert, Command: Symbol) or Common Symbols (Category: Common Symbol). You could even define shortcuts that are easier to use or remember.

 

[apoppin]

Isn't MS Office 97 SR2 downloadable from the MS site anymore? I know I upgraded my copy to SR-2 a long time ago that way.

 

[HansXP]

He says he tried to install &quot;MS Update #2 for Office 97&quot; which I took to mean SR-2. I'm guessing you need to install Office 97 w/SR-2 already slipstreamed, otherwise it won't work.

 

[Wade]

I had this same problem... here's my solution... don't know why it worked, but it worked.

1) Install Office 97 from CD
2) Install SR1 (optional)
3) Install SR2 (optional)
4) Here's the fix... re-install Office... yup, you heard me, re-install it... don't un-install first, just insert the CD, launch Office Setup, and choose the &quot;re-install&quot; option... problem solved... I've done this at least 4 times now, as I have to do this everytime I decide to wipe the hard drive and re-install everything.

 

[Andy74]

Wow - Wade it worked - I don't get those cryptic error messages anymore (after re-installing)

Thanks

BTW I still can't install SR2, but I don't care. It works fine now.

Thanks

 

[Thump553]

Wade, I got to ask-how in the world did you figure out that workaround? Good job.

 

[Wade]

Total fluke... I couldn't find bubkus in the MSKB... I decided to uninstall then try again on the off-chance it might fix my problem... when I started MS Office Setup to start the UN-install, I noticed the RE-install option... decided to give it a try, and POOF, problem gone.

Next time I wiped &amp; re-installed, the same problem cropped up, I tried the same thing, and POOF, problem gone again.

Like I said, I've done this a few more times since then... I have NO idea why it works, or what the problem is in the first place... and I don't want to jinx it by finding out more either <grin>.

Glad it fixed your problem too, Andy!

 

[Wade]

BTW Andy... have you tried re-downloading the SR2 file from another location? It may be that the one you got is fried somehow... if you want, I've got SR1, SR2, plus a few other SR-related utilites (like a util that checks your Office installation to see if it's &quot;ready&quot; for SR2). Let me know, I'll be happy to FTP them or something for you.