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.DOC Files

The .DOC file extension is a file type associated with the Microsoft Office program MS Word. With the release of Microsoft Office Suite 2007 the .DOC file extension has been replaced with the .DOCX file extension and is now considered to be obsolete.

Microsoft Word is an extremely popular text program and word processor that can create, share and open text documents. In addition to text files, Microsoft Word can also open formatted pages, print settings, tables, chart and graphs that are written in binary code.

Opening .DOC Files

There are a number of free text programs that can read and write .DOC files, which makes Word and .DOC files very compatible and convenient to share. Microsoft offers a program called Word Viewer that allows users to open, duplicate and print Word .DOC files without the Word program itself. However, this program doesn’t allow you to create or edit .DOC files.

If you are running the 2007 Microsoft Office Suite then you will have no problems in opening a .DOC file - assuming the software is installed correctly and you have no other hardware or operating system issues.

If you are using an older version of Microsoft Office then you will need to install a "compatibility pack" in order to edit and view the .DOCX file format. While the older version of MS Word cannot read the .DOXC file extension, the new version of Word does read the .DOC file extension and will allow you to save a .DOCX file as a .DOC file.

If you have the correct software installed and still cannot open a .DOC file you may also be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .DOC file extension and MS Word. This would be the case if MS Word (or the comaptibility pack) was installed correctly, but the file would still not open.

Common Problems With .DOC Files

.DOC files are generally compatible between old and new versions of Microsoft Word and Word Viewer. It is relatively simple to make .DOC files created in old versions of Word compatible with later versions. However, one shortcoming of .DOC files is that older versions do not readily open newer files. The best way to ensure that your .DOC files remain compatible is to save them in Rich Text Format, which essentially reduces them to basic text, without much formatting. This way older programs can access the file data in a simple form.

If the correct software is installed and you still cannot open a .DOC file then you may be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .DOC file extension, Microsoft Word and the Windows Registry. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running a Windows Registry Optimizer which cleans the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. These registry optimizer programs also tend to keep the Windows Registry working efficiently, speed up the PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Security Issues With .DOC Files

Since Microsoft Word is such a widely used program, there aren’t often problems for users to open and access .DOC files. However, their popularity and commonality can also cause .DOC files to be vulnerable to viruses. All too often users will open .DOC files before scanning them with an antivirus program, unleashing an infection on their computer. To reduce the risk, avoid opening any attachments unless you are sure of their source. Of course, having an up-to-date security program is essential.

Be wary of opening .DOC, or any other file for that matter, sent by someone you do not know or one you downloaded off the Internet. There have been cases where attachments disguised as .DOC files were actually viruses that were waiting to be activated when they were launched. Opening unknown .DOC files can present the danger of malware or virus infection. Before opening one of these file extensions ensure it comes from a source you trust, you have good anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system.

Be sure to regularly scan attachments and all files in your computer system with an up to date anti-virus application or anti-spyware software, and ensure that it is really safe to open the .DOC file.

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