How to open ODF files with Office 2003/2007

The OpenDocumentFormat (ODF) is a free and open source XLM file format, aiming in universal document editing. The ODF standards are defined from Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) consortium and are implemented from SUN Microsystems into OpenOffice.org office suite.

The OpenDocumentFormat (ODF), supports word (.ODT), spreadsheet (.ODS), presentation (.ODP), database (.ODB), and graphics (.ODG) processing features.

Office 2003 and Office 2007 officially doesn’t recognize ODF files, but you can open ODF files using the OpenXML/ODF Translator Add-in. The whole process is explained below.*

In the latest version, Office 2010 Microsoft includes support for ODF files.

Notice* 1: If you want to stay away from Microsoft and you want to open ODF files, you can download and install Apache OpenOffice from here.

Notice* 2: If you don’t want to install any software, you can upload your ODF file into Google Docs, using your Google Account.

Office 2003 and Office 2007

How to open .odt, .ods, .odp (ODF) files from Office 2003 or Office 2007:

1. Download the OpenXML/ODF Translator Add-in for Office from here:

2.  Choose “Run” the “OdfAddInForOfficeSetup-en_x.x.xxxx” setup file.

3. Choose “Run” again in the next screen:

4. Press “install’’, to install the compatibility Pack for Office 2007*.

Notice*: If you are using Office 2003, it gives you the ability to open Office 2007 files {word (.docx), excel (.xlxs), presentation (.pptx)} that were created in Office 2007.

5. Press “OK” when the update is completed.

6. Choose “Install”, to install the Open XML/ODF Translator” plugin.

7. In the next screen, accept the license agreement and choose “Next”.

8. In the next screen, choose to install the plugin for all users in your computer and choose “Next”.

9. Leave the custom setup options and choose “Next”.

10. Select to associate all ODF files types (.odt, .ods, .odp) with Microsoft office and press “Next”.

11. Press “Install” to start the installation.

12. When the installation is completed, Uncheck the “Show Readme” option and press “Finish”.

13. Now find your ODF document file and Double Click to open it.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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