Hi,

In my compagny we have install office 2013, we where in word 2003 before.

I'd like to configure word 2013 in order to force doc converting in docx format.

Is it possible ?

Is there a GPO ?

Thank for your answers.

Regard

Word has no configuration to force the conversion from doc to docx format. What you could do is to create a Document_Open macro in the relevant template to do the conversion whenever a doc-format file based on that template is opened. As part of that process, you might also have said macro delete the old file.

Alternatively, you could do a bulk conversion of the files. See: http://www.gmayor.com/Works_Batch_Converter.htm

I am not familiar with there being a GPO for that but you could accomplish it with a VBA.

Sub AutoOpen()
    If Right(ActiveDocument.Name, 1) = "c" Then
        ActiveDocument.Convert
        ActiveDocument.Save 'optional
    End If
End Sub

Put this into a Global template (MyConvert.dotm for example) and add it to Word's startup folder on each machine.

Be aware there are risks with converting documents, and in particular with documents that contain tables. The cells in table contained within the document will change width by an amount measured in the hundredths of an inch. However, even though change size is small it will effect column alignment if you edit the tables later by adding rows to the end of the table or splitting the table and then adding additional rows.

Personally, I consider this a serious bug as it also happens in XML based documents that were created with earlier versions of Microsoft Word (2010, 2007, and even 2011 for the Mac). When those earlier XML documents are moved to 2013, they are considered to be in compatibility mode also.

Try a simple test yourself. Start a new document using Word 2010 or 2007 and add a single 3 X 1 table row, From the table properties dialog note the width of the 3 cells then save and close the file. You can save it as either a doc or docx format. Now open the document with Word 2013 and verify that it's in compatibility mode and check the table cell widths. Now convert the document (File > Convert Document) and check the table cell widths. They will have changed. Now add a row to the the table by selecting the open paragraph immediately following the table and choose Insert > Table >3 x 1.

The columns don't align do they? Attempting to get them back in alignment is not a lot of fun either, especially if the table is large.

I am trying to get Microsoft to do something about this problem but can use additional voices if you think this is as serious of an issue as I do.

Hi,

Just checking in to see if above information was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

Ethan Hua

Forum Support