A couple of months ago, I got a new computer. The computer included a pre-installed 60 day trial of several Microsoft products, including Microsoft Word.

My trial period ended yesterday, but I wasn't concerned about it. When I bought the computer, I also purchased Microsoft Works Suite 2006, which includes Microsoft Word. I installed the whole Microsoft Works Suite 2006 program, but now when I try to use Microsoft Word, it won't let me do anything and says that it's "locked". I can view my previously created documents, but I can't alter them or create any new ones.

I tried to get help from Microsoft technical support, but the website they provided doesn't come up ("page does not display"). I tried a couple other Microsoft websites, but the best I could find was where they will only provide technical support for a fee! None of my purchased materials or the websites provided a customer service/tech support number that I could call.

I called the popular franchise where I got my computer, and they were of no help. The guy insisted that Microsoft Works Suite 2006 does not contain Microsoft Word even though I've got the box and CD-ROM right in front of me that clearly states Microsoft Word. He stated that Microsoft Works was different and that I needed Microsoft Office. But as I said, the Microsoft Works Suite 2006 contains Microsoft Word. Arghhh!!

I'm not computer savvy, so this is very frustrating for me!! Does anyone know how I can get my Microsoft Word unlocked and be able to use it?? Thanks so much!

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 04:26 pm:

I can't help you with the unlocking part, but I know for a fact that Works comes with Word, though, because it came that way on my Dell that I got 5 years ago.

Can you uninstall the word installation? Control panel, add/remove programs, find it on the list, uninstall. Then try to install Works again?

When I see DH for supper, I'll ask him, too.

By Cocoabutter on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 05:38 pm:

I don't know much about Microsoft Word, as Microsoft Works came with our computer that we bought 4 years ago. But, I can offer up an idea.

If you know what the title of your documents want to open, you can do a Windows Search for that document. When you find it, right click on the name of the file, then click on "Open With" and choose a program. You would choose "Microsoft Works Suite 2006".

Since this software package is new, the dude you talked to probably didn't even know it existed yet. Up until now, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Works have been two separate software programs. My version of Microsoft Works 6.0 contains word processor, spreadsheet, and database programs that can be applied in many different ways.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 06:47 pm:

I think uninstalling and reinstalling is probably the way to go, but I am by no means an expert.

The other way to go is to go to the tech support for the people you bought the computer from and instead of talking to one person, email them with the problem.

I'm looking at the Microsoft page on Works Suite 2006, and this is what it says:

With something for everyone in your home, Works Suite 2006 is the ideal combination of six great software titles in one affordable package. Microsoft Works Suite 2006 includes a full version of Microsoft Word along with easy-to-use tools for getting organized, tracking personal finances, planning trips, editing and sharing digital photos, and interactive learning.

So clearly the help person you talked to is wrong. Here's the link, which you should also include in your email: http://www.microsoft.com/products/works/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=001

If you try uninstalling and reinstalling, I would first copy the documents to another folder completely outside of the Microsoft Works folders.

And, if you created the documents in an earlier version of Word, here is a link to a help article from Microsoft that might address your problem:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;309500

It looks like earlier versions of Word don't talk to Works Suite 2006 very well - which is stupid, but is typical of the way Microsoft does things. I purely despise Microsoft for the wya it designs programs to be so user-unfriendly, with newer versions so often not compatible with older versions.