How can I open a Microsoft .wps or Works file in Word?

Question

How can I open a Microsoft .wps or Works file in Word?

Answer

In order to view a Microsoft Works .wps file in Microsoft Word, you'll need a converter that will enable Microsoft Word to view the files. Microsoft provides a free file known as wp6rtf.exe that is compatible with Microsoft Word 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2007, and is able to open Microsoft Works 4.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 9.0 documents. This file can be downloaded from the Computer Hope utility section.

Once this file has been downloaded follow the steps listed below.

  1. Close any open Microsoft Word window.
  2. Double-click the wp6rtf.exe file that will run without any additional prompts or information.
  3. After the file appears to have run open Microsoft Word.
  4. In Microsoft Word click File and then Open.
  5. In the Open window within the "File of Type" drop-down menu you will now have options: "Works 4.0 for Windows (*.wps)", "Works 6.0 & 7.0 (*.wps)", and "Works 7.0 (*.wps)."
  6. Select the appropriate version of Works. If you're not sure try 6.0 & 7.0 first.
  7. Browse to the location of the Works file you wish to open and open the file.

After I open the file it's not formatted properly.

Depending on how the Microsoft Works file was created and is formatted, in some situations you may be able to open the file but it will look strange because the formatting was not converted properly. If this occurs, try opening the file as a different Works version. If this does not work, unfortunately you'll have to manually change the formatting in Word if you wish for it to appear correctly.

Saving the file as a Word file.

If you wish to continue to use this file or want to make it compatible with Microsoft Word, follow the steps below.

  1. After the file has been opened, and edited if needed, click File and choose Save As.
  2. In the Save As window, select the location you wish to save the file.
  3. Type the name for the file and in the Save as Type dropdown menu make sure to select Microsoft Word (*.doc).
  4. Click Ok or Save when done.