have MS works default to desktop

[songdongnigh]

Hi Broni,
   All I'm trying to do is eliminate a step in what should be a simple thing.  Since I started a blog a year ago I've put up over 1,100 posts, most of which involve using Works Word to assemble, copy, paste and write up comments.  I work off the desktop by creating folders or just a document with each post on the desktop, post them & then place the folders or documents in an appropiate top level folder, again, kept on the desktop.  It just seems unreasonable that the end user can't choose where the default save location for anything should be, be it documents, .jpgs or whatever.  OO looks like that can be customized.

I guess I have to decide weather to go 100% with OO or stick with Works.  OO may be better in the long run as it’s much more robust and customizable. 

Sometimes the learning curve is a brick wall.

Thanks again
Regards

[Broni]

There is another solution just down the page of the link you provided; "How to open Works .wps files in OpenOffice.org 2.x?"  Unfortunately, Bill has stopped support for one of the two MS files needed: "Works 6.0 Converter for Works and Word Users".

I've read about the above option, but since M$ doesn't have it anymore, I omitted it.
Then< i did some more digging, and I think, I found working download:
http://www.stonehill.edu/instructional/converters.htm
Scroll all the way down to:

Works 6.0 to MS Word

The Works 6.0 Converter allows you to convert word processor documents created in Microsoft Works 6.0 to Microsoft Word and other Works programs. Specifically, this converter works with Works 2000, 4.5, and 4.x, and Word 2002, 2000, and 97.  File Name: wp6rtf.exe Download

[Broni]

OO may be better in the long run as it’s much more robust and customizable.

 
I agree...

[songdongnigh]

Hi Broni,
   Well, this is sure turning into a search into the netherworld of the internet.  I looked at about 20 likely sites via Google trying to find an old copy of Microsofts now unsupported converter & came up blank. 

   I downloaded the file wp6rtf.exe from Stonehill that you suggested, but when I tried to install it (several times) I got the message "converter installation failed".  Go figure. 

   Cheers

[soybean]

Did you read my comments about AbiWord?  Do you really need a full-featured word processing program to compose your blog messages?

[Broni]

Yeah. I assume, that it's nothing crucial, and we've been doing this just for a heck of beating all odds.
I can keep playing, can you?...LOL

I downloaded the file wp6rtf.exe from Stonehill that you suggested, but when I tried to install it (several times) I got the message "converter installation failed".

I just found out why...
I did search for wp6rtf.exe, and I came up with other links.
Funny thing was, the first hit: http://www.computerhope.com/dutil.htm
But, actually this converter is designed for M$ Office. Upon installing it (if you have Office), you can...

Open Microsoft Word and select File, Open, and in the Files of Type, you should now have the option to open Microsoft Works 4.x and 6.x documents.

Said that, we'll need to find wps to doc converter...

[Broni]

How big are those files, altogether?
You may start here: http://www.zamzar.com/

[Broni]

Another option...
That downloaded file may work, if you install Word Viewer 2003, first.

The whole procedure will be like this:
   1.

      Download and install Word Viewer 2003.
   2.

      Install Works 6.0 Converter for Works and Word Users (wp6rtf.exe)
   3.

      Start Microsoft Office Word Viewer 2003 from Start > (All) Programs.
   4.

      An Open dialog appears. At the bottom of this dialog ensure that the Files of type drop-down is set to All Files(*.*).
   5.

      Now browse to your .wps file and select it.
   6.

      Click Open. A warning dialog will appear. If you trust this file et cetera, click Yes and, like magic, your .wps will open!
   7.

      Choose Edit > Select All then Edit > Copy.
   8.

      Now open OpenOffice.org 2.x Writer and do Edit > Paste.
   9.

      You should now see the text of your document in OpenOffice.org 2.x.
  10.

      Choose File > Save As and save your document in your preferred format and location.

[Broni]

Sorry, soybean. I'm not forcing anything. I've been just trying to resolve "unsolved mystery".

[songdongnigh]

Hi soybean,

I read your comment about abiword, but was still stubbornly trying to use the OO.  I’ll go give it a try now.  My word processing needs are pretty basic. 

I think this is called going around Robin Hood’s Barn.  But I like a good challenge.

Broni,

Nope, no Office, thats the problem.  I’m getting ready to do my first computer build project from an old hulk (good MB but trashed HD) & will be buying XP Pro & installing OO.  My current rig is 6 1/2 years old. 

Cheers

[Broni]

I know, you don't have Office, so read my next posts.
I'll be happy, if you like soybean's application,  but I also want to know if my workaround will work.

[songdongnigh]

Broni, OK, I'll try your wordviewer 2003 workaround too & get back.

soybean, thanks much.  I just installed abiword, so now I have 3 word processors & can't even typ or spel.  Guess I know what I'll be doing the rest of the night.

Cheers

[songdongnigh]

Broni,

FYI, I had previously installed Wordviewer 2003 as part of the first attempt to convert .wps so OO could read it.  Tried wp6rtf again & still will not install, same error. 

Guess I'll play with AbiWord now & see if it improves my spellin & typin. 

Cheers

edit:

It's been a great education.  Thanks again.

[Broni]

Oh well...Happy computing