Microsoft has been forced to issue acomplex workaroundafter users
complained that itsOffice 2003 Service Pack 3blocked
access to older file formats.
The problem could affect compliance requirements and operational
needs at firms.
The service pack was distributed by Microsoft last autumn, but
users have found that it blocks a number of files in older Excel,
PowerPoint, Word and Corel Draw formats.
For instance, after installing the service pack, users have been
unable to access Word 97-based documents.
In an advisory issued last month, Microsoft said, "After you
install Office 2003 SP3, some Microsoft Office Excel 2003,
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003, Microsoft Office Word 2003, and
Corel Draw (.cdr) file formats are blocked.
"By default, these file formats are blocked because they are
less secure. They may pose a risk to you."
However, many organisations need to have immediate access to
documents in older formats for both operational and compliance
reasons.
Microsoft, in its advisory, offers a complex workaround for the
problem by manually modifying a system's registry, but if users get
it wrong they risk losing all of their files.
Microsoft says, "Serious problems might occur if you modify the
registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another
method.
"These problems might require that you reinstall the operating
system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be
solved. Modify the registry at your own risk."