Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Question
I have been given or I have been emailed a document which I cannot open.

Answer (All)

The reason that you cannot open the document (file) is that the program needed to show or perhaps edit this document is not installed on your computer.
When you receive a document it will have at the end what is called a "file extension" something like .doc, .xls, or .zip.  These extensions tell the computer what program it needs to open the document, so if it sees .doc it knows that it need Microsoft Word to open it. It looks at its database and if it finds .doc then it knows what to use.  However if it can't find the extension in its database it warns that it does not know what to use to open it.
You can at this point try "Googling" for the extension and see if there are any references to it.
FileExt.com is a good place to start.  This link is a very good place to start as it gives instructions on what to do and has a very good database of file extensions.

A problem which is occurring at the moment is due to Microsoft changing the default file extension for documents produced in Microsoft Office.  Office Version 2007 and 2010 have a default file extension ending in x e.g. ,docx and .xlsx.  This is creating two problems, What do you do if you receive one of these documents and what should you do if you have Office2007 or 2010 and are sending the file to someone else.

What do you do if you receive one of these documents.

There are two ways to deal with this.  If you have a need to be able to edit the file either purchase a version of Office 2007 or 2010 or ask the person who sent it to open the document, re-save it as a .doc or a .rtf file and send it back to you.
If you only want to view it then download the Office compatibility pack, install it and you will be able to view the documents. 

What should you do if you have Office2007 or 2010 and are sending the file to someone else.

When you save the file choose "Save as" and in the "Files of type" drop down, choose either "Word 97/2000 or Rich text.
Please note that it is possible in all versions of Office to change the default file type used to save.

Back to FAQ's

Not sure

Telephone: 01673 842979
Mobile:      07885 963857

LogMeIn

Clients of Peter Hart Computers can make use of a program called LogMeIn.  This will allow Peter Hart or one of his staff to use "Remote Access" to view their desktop and either correct problems with their computer or show them how to do things for themselves.

Click here to go to the LogMeIn site to see for yourself what LogMeIn does.

Phone the above number to get set up for this service.

If you have any other FAQ's you would like answered or any you would like to see her use the Contact Form to send us details.