In tears here over Mac and Word docs. Help, please?

[driphoney]

I have a new Mac.

Dh: "Can I bring my old files from Open Office saved as doc files to my new Mac?"

Apple sales guy: "OH YEAH! EASY! TOTALLY SEAMLESS! YOU CAN SAVE AS DOCS TOO! THIS IS BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE!"

Dh: "So, I can send and receive and work with the files in the doc format? I'm not very computer savvy."

Apple sales guy: "OH YEAH! EASY!"

So, chapter complete. Sent off to various and sundry MSWord folks. Now have them back and I'm trying to ready a copy for submission. I've been fighting with saving. It doesn't appear to like to save things. Then it saves as new copies, saves as back-ups, saves in formats that Lit can't dicipher, and apparently, it (Mac), too, can't. I ALWAYS tell it to over-write or replace whenever it asks. I learned this the hard way as it would force me to either rename my doc or agree to it. I also began to get so many versions. I really wanted one working, up-dated copy. All that didn't appear to be working. Still too many versions. All this saving is because I learned from it NOT auto-updating that it does NOT auto update and I lost a whole section of writing earlier.

I've also, for days, been saving my editor's returned copy, which I think he thought he was clever and sent me as a txt file (not sure, I really am a computer doof.) Anyway, since I can't make a hardcopy (can't get the fucking mac to sinc with my printer. ARRRGGGHHH!!) which is the way I usually work through the edits. So, I've been adding a 'DONE' next to each paragraph as a way to know where I am on his copy when I leave and come back. This has worked for a couple of days. I always attempt to save the same way. (Not that I'm given much choice.) Well, today I'm faced with a blank copy. It says (I mean my Mac says) that it can't read it (the Mac saved copy!) I now have a blank copy of my editor's version.

Sorry about that rant. Driphoney is in tears. I was nearly done. So, so glad this isn't a research paper with a deadline.

I guess my basic question is how do you really save files on a Mac? How do you save while still working with the copy? The standard MS 'save/save as' routine is not working.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Apple has the same problem they had in 1985. They are different and not necessarily compatible. That's why Apple only has 7% of the market, DP.

 

[3113]

Apple has the same problem they had in 1985. They are different and not necessarily compatible. That's why Apple only has 7% of the market, DP.

Yeah, the problem is Microsoft.

 

[Stella_Omega]

What wordprocessing program are you using, DH? The new Pages?

I can chat you through some of the system stuff, if you want to meet me on Story we can test out the chat box at the same time

 

[driphoney]

Apple has the same problem they had in 1985. They are different and not necessarily compatible. That's why Apple only has 7% of the market, DP.

Well, I was able to move and read my converted from MSWord to Open Office (while on my PC) files to my Mac, then work with my transferred-as-doc file on my Mac, no problem, and then send those twice converted copies off to PC users and they had to trouble reading and working with them and sending them back to me, and then I had no trouble reading them. So, I guess that is probably a huge leap since 1985.

But this whole saving debacle is driving me around the bend. And apparently it's doing something weird behind the scenes 'cause Lit couldn't read my updated doc, which had very little tinkering.

 

[3113]

Drip, I'm not an Open Office expert, though I have used it and it worked fine. I tend to use (ironically) Word for Mac, which isn't expensive, by the way, and, according to many a former Microsoft user that I've talked to, works better than the Microsoft version.

That said, you need to go here with your problem. Lot of people on that forum use Open Office and they'll help you figure it out.

Edited to add: Actually, use Stella. She's awesome when it comes to knowing all about documents. And don't get mad at the Apple guy. Open Office should be working as he says, it has on my Mac. But word processing programs are complicated and get even more complicated when it comes to old documents done on old programs. Things get complicated no matter how easy people try to make it. And they especially get complicated here on lit. I had an instance where lit kept screwing up and having problems with a Word document done on a PC. There are no guarantees of anything on the internet.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Well, I was able to move and read my converted from MSWord to Open Office (while on my PC) files to my Mac, then work with my transferred-as-doc file on my Mac, no problem, and then send those twice converted copies off to PC users and they had to trouble reading and working with them and sending them back to me, and then I had no trouble reading them. So, I guess that is probably a huge leap since 1985.

But this whole saving debacle is driving me around the bend. And apparently it's doing something weird behind the scenes 'cause Lit couldn't read my updated doc, which had very little tinkering.

Here's the problem. The PC generally is Windows based. MS Word will only work in Windows. The MAC uses a reworked Linex operating system. I believe Open Office is available for both. A month ago I discovered there is now a version of MS Word for the MAC operating system. The MAC and PC MS Words are not necessarily compatible.

The problem was stated years ago - Emulators (as in changing Op Sys) don't work. The only way to emulate a PC using Windows is to use a PC using Windows. (Paraphrased)

I'm sure there is a way around your problem though.

 

[3113]

A month ago I discovered there is now a version of MS Word for the MAC operating system. The MAC and PC MS Words are not necessarily compatible.

There's been a version of MS Word for Mac for at least five years. And they're perfectly compatible. I've co-authored two novels with a MS Word user and we've had no problems at all exchanging, editing, reading documents back and forth from her PC to my Mac and back again. This includes the reviewing and editing features.

What runs people into trouble, IMHO, is the updates. I've the latest version of MS word for Mac and if I send that to my co-author, she can't read it because she's still using Word 97. I have to make sure what I send her is in Word 97. Incompatibility, in my experience dealing with sending documents from Mac to PC and back again, happens when one person is using a later version than the other person.

The RTF option often gets past a lot of these problems.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

There's been a version of MS Word for Mac for at least five years. And they're perfectly compatible. I've co-authored two novels with a MS Word user and we've had no problems at all exchanging, editing, reading documents back and forth from her PC to my Mac and back again. This includes the reviewing and editing features.

Being a diehard PC user, I didn't know that, 3. I have Word 2007 and have the same problem so I automatically do everything in Word97. The program is "Upwardly Compatible."

 

[Macdaddy23]

Virtual PC might work

 

[lance gt]

If it was me Honey, I'd go back to the store and make the smart-ass little fucker show me on their computers how to properly transfer files back and forth successfully. Make them write it down and go home and try it. If it doesn't work, then there's something wrong on the line to Hooterville.

 

[Stella_Omega]

"I don't know nothing about Macs, and I'm gonna tell you ALL about them!"

You guys crack me up.

 

[driphoney]

If it was me Honey, I'd go back to the store and make the smart-ass little fucker show me on their computers how to properly transfer files back and forth successfully. Make them write it down and go home and try it. If it doesn't work, then there's something wrong on the line to Hooterville.

Um. Good idea. I kept thinking, "I can't take my porn story to the guy! The words PUSSY AND COCK will leap to his eyes!"

But I can leave my computer at home, make him use his and just take serious notes. The Apple guy has been more than kind and willing to do whatever I need. That's the difference of buying an Apple over a PC.

3113, I opted to buy iWorks and not Word, but was told this wouldn't be a problem at all. Now, I'm wondering . . . I liked the idea of not giving MS any more money.

At this point, I think it's all in the saving process, something I'm doing wrong.

 

[driphoney]

There's been a version of MS Word for Mac for at least five years. And they're perfectly compatible. I've co-authored two novels with a MS Word user and we've had no problems at all exchanging, editing, reading documents back and forth from her PC to my Mac and back again. This includes the reviewing and editing features.

What runs people into trouble, IMHO, is the updates. I've the latest version of MS word for Mac and if I send that to my co-author, she can't read it because she's still using Word 97. I have to make sure what I send her is in Word 97. Incompatibility, in my experience dealing with sending documents from Mac to PC and back again, happens when one person is using a later version than the other person.

The RTF option often gets past a lot of these problems.

I'm using iWords and it tells me it's saving as a Word 97 doc. (among other things, apparently! ) I don't know what RTF is. I was talked out of buying the Word for Mac. I was told (and it's true except for this issue I'm having) that I could work with docs on iWorks. I don't do anything complicated--or so I thought!

 

[Stella_Omega]

RTF means "Rich Text Format" and is (really truly is) readable by every wordprocessing application. You don't get anything else, though, so tracked changes and comments, if they show up, show up wonky, like they are meant to be part of the text...

The first time you save a document in Pages (the Iworks Word) you do have to place it somewhere. The defaul is your docs folder. After that it will save in the same place. If your editor can't read the pages version of Word, I'm thinking that it's a problem with their old and badly-patched-constantly-updated program. Sorry, Windows folks.

Pages prefs are very simplistic, and I'm sure they will get more complicated as time goes by, but you might want to check the "back up previous version" box, which will give you a copy of what was there before, each time you save-- replaced, each time you do save, BTW.

 

[3113]

I'm using iWords and it tells me it's saving as a Word 97 doc. (among other things, apparently! ) I don't know what RTF is. I was talked out of buying the Word for Mac. I was told (and it's true except for this issue I'm having) that I could work with docs on iWorks. I don't do anything complicated--or so I thought!

If you're using iWorks, then go here. If Stella can't solve the problem, you should be able to find all answers there.

I don't use iWorks--I use MS Word for Mac as I've been using that for as long as I can remember and it was what was around when I started co-authoring with this other person. But I have recently switched to a marvelous program for Mac called Scrivener for my own writings. You can try out for free. Very cool writing program.

 

[driphoney]

Rtf ... duh. I actually had to save a file in that once to send to someone. But only once.

Yes, it's all dumping into my documents file. Sometimes it asks to go elsewhere which I can't understand as the previous save I would have told it to go to the documents folder. Since this was going to be a one off file, I made the mistake of not creating its own folder. My editor(s) is having no trouble reading my file. I did fix my messed up The Fuckin' Chair and resubmitted it as a doc file to Lit (this is separate from my issue with saving this current chapter) and Lit couldn't read it.

When I create a new document in Pages, even saving a doc copy, I have no trouble with future saving. But when working with the returned doc copy, I keep getting asked over and over (and over) how I want to save it. I've tried doing a 'save-as' and renaming the file, then working off that new file. Same problem occurs. It keeps asking me with each save attempt how I want it saved. Sometimes it asks me if I want to replace the old version. I always say 'yes'. I do this because I'm afraid of yet another new copy or something called a 'back-up' copy popping up. Sometimes I'm asked if I want to overwrite. That does scare me. All of this is occurring when I'm just clicking on 'save' not 'save as'. Each time I have to go through this process I have to remember to click the 'save as a 97Word doc' or it will flip over and save as a Pages file. Then I'll have one more copy, but Pages will be the latest greatest.

Did any of that make any sense?

I'm doing something wrong when I set up the original or something, but I don't know what.

RTF means "Rich Text Format" and is (really truly is) readable by every wordprocessing application. You don't get anything else, though, so tracked changes and comments, if they show up, show up wonky, like they are meant to be part of the text...

The first time you save a document in Pages (the Iworks Word) you do have to place it somewhere. The defaul is your docs folder. After that it will save in the same place. If your editor can't read the pages version of Word, I'm thinking that it's a problem with their old and badly-patched-constantly-updated program. Sorry, Windows folks.

Pages prefs are very simplistic, and I'm sure they will get more complicated as time goes by, but you might want to check the "back up previous version" box, which will give you a copy of what was there before, each time you save-- replaced, each time you do save, BTW.

 

[3113]

If it was me Honey, I'd go back to the store and make the smart-ass little fucker show me on their computers how to properly transfer files

Actually, she could do that. You can make an appointment for one-on-one chat with someone at the store to help you out. I believe, in fact, that if you've bought a new Mac they may actually give you a free one-on-one (don't quote me on that, I heard about this program somewhere along the way, but I don't know if all Apple Stores are doing it or if it was just one in particular).

Likewise, as you have a new Mac, you can call up Apple itself. For the first month you own that Mac, you get to make free phone calls to Apple. After that you'll need to have Apple Care if you want to call them.

And, finally, if you're under 14 days, you can return iWorks. You don't have to stick with it. You can buy Word for Mac, or Scrivener, or use Open Office (free) off the internet.

You have options, Drip! The right program can be found to make you happy

 

[driphoney]

Okay. I got over my loathing of calling technical support. I decided first I'd try calling, then drive over to where I got it as a back-up plan.

I got right in. Thanks Apple. And when I told the speedtalker I couldn't make out what he was saying, he slowed down to my level. Thanks again.

Here's what I'm gonna try and what he said to do: work with the doc was a Pages file, make my changes as Pages. Then when I'm finished for the day import it as a Word doc. Use that saved Word doc as my copy to interact with PC users.

Thanks so much for all the great advice and hand-holding.

If the imported Word doc doesn't load up to Lit right, I'll be back next week for another therapy session.

 

[Liar]

Let me see if I get this correctly:

You used to have a PC on which you worked in Open Office?
Now you have a Mac and use Pages?
You can save your Open Office documents in MSWord format (doc) in order to import them to Mac and open them in Pages.
But them you have trpouble saving it continuously as a doc frile while working on it in Pages.
Am I right so far?

There are numerous issues with Pages and MS Word compatibility. First of all, it only transparently support old doc files for Word 97, a Word 2003 or an exported Word 2007 file will lose formatting and macros, if it opens at all.

If you're happy with OpenOffice, why not use the OS X version? As far as I know, it's supposed to be tip top.

 

[driphoney]

Let me see if I get this correctly:

You used to have a PC on which you worked in Open Office?
Now you have a Mac and use Pages?
You can save your Open Office documents in MSWord format (doc) in order to import them to Mac and open them in Pages.
But them you have trpouble saving it continuously as a doc frile while working on it in Pages.
Am I right so far?

There are numerous issues with Pages and MS Word compatibility. First of all, it only transparently support old doc files for Word 97, a Word 2003 or an exported Word 2007 file will lose formatting and macros, if it opens at all.

If you're happy with OpenOffice, why not use the OS X version? As far as I know, it's supposed to be tip top.

I'm not currently using Open Office, but basically you have the story right. The original story was written in Word, but I screwed up and when my (stupid) student copy of Word 2007 (which I needed for a computer class in which I learned zero, obviously) asked if I wanted to delete my perfectly fine Word 97, I must have hiccuped because I said, "yes".

Let's all pause to spank Driphoney. :caning:

So, no longer having the discs for that ancient 97, I downloaded OO on my dying PC. Now I have a fancypants Mac. I was able to move my files, no problem.

I'm working in Pages. It enables me to save as a Word 97, as did OO, which I did. Even when I had that awful Windows 2007, I always saved as 97. What it was doing in the background, Lord only knows. I've been saving as Word 97 so that I can send it to PC users.

 

[Liar]

Then don't use Pages. It sucks at handling Word files. Especially if you want to co-work on a document with someone else. Try OO. It's available for Mac too and downloadable for free here.

http://download.openoffice.org/other.html

I use it on my PC at home ad on the Macbook at work. No problem whatsoever.

 

[driphoney]

Then don't use Pages. It sucks at handling Word files. Especially if you want to co-work on a document with someone else. Try OO. It's available for Mac too and downloadable for free here.

http://download.openoffice.org/other.html

I use it on my PC at home ad on the Macbook at work. No problem whatsoever.

Thanks!

 

[JamesSD]

Although this is no help for the question at hand, I'll say that I have Work for Mac and have been able to freely move files between Word on PCs at work and my home Mac. When the new version of Word came out I had to download some updates for my Office 2004, but it does fine. I hate the new version of Word for PC anyways, so I'm quite content sticking with 2004.