Windows 7 Software Compatibility Testing - Microsoft Office 2007
I would say, with no fear of being wrong, that most people who use or have used a Windows-based computer, either at home or work, have used or currently uses this popular office suite in any of its versions. For those who never heard of it, (if any) I can tell you that I am talking about an extremely popular commercial product that enables users to create, edit, open and save text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and more. As I did with OpenOffice.org, in this article I am going to tell you how this extremely useful set of tools which is bundled under the name of Microsoft Office 2007 behaves when installed in the Windows 7 environment.
Installation and First Run
I always say that by seeing how the setup process goes you can have an approximated idea of how the program will run once it is fully installed. In this particular case I have to say that the whole process went pretty well, I can only complaint about it taking too long, so, if I paid no regard to this issue (let's assume that mine is not a super fast machine and that copying and configuring over 500MB into my HDD is not a quick task), it went smooth, starting by the extraction of files like this:
The only things I had to do was to enter the key which I did and after that I was prompted to select the installation options, meaning which parts of Microsoft Office I would install, selecting this was not really different than in other programs, just a tree menu where I could choose categories and sub-categories. (I'm not very good at explaining this; so, please take a look at the next screenshot)
Well, after making my selection I clicked the Install Now button and the real setup process began.
And after more or less 20 minutes (yes I wrote 20 minutes, I told you it was a long setup process) Microsoft Office Professional 2007 told me that the installation had been successful and invited me to visit the Office Online site to get updates and other stuff.
Functionality & Integration
As I did with OpenOffice.org I tried the three major and most used apps that Microsoft Office Professional 2007 brings, just to be sure that everything worked well: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I must admit that beyond my expectations, I found that when it comes to opening, creating and saving word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations these programs make a fairly good job and apparently without hitches or delays of any kind.
In the next two screenshots you will see how Word was perfectly able to open, edit and save a text document.
As I expected the experience with Excel was not very different, I opened, edited and saved a spreadsheet I already made for testing purposes with really good results, not a single inconvenience.
And Last but not least I tested PowerPoint by opening a .pps file which I could also edit and save with similar results, not the slightest setback, couldn't ask for more!
Regarding the integration aspect I can only say that not all Aero functions worked perfectly with Office, I could notice that when I tried to restore the window size by dragging it, nothing would happen, so I had to go to the Restore down button or double click on the title bar. Anyway, this is not a major inconvenience but it could be of some annoyance if you are in the habit of using it. For the rest of it I think Microsoft Office 2007 integrates fairy well in the Windows 7 environment.
Bugs Report
As you can see Office seems to work pretty well under Windows 7, and that little Aero incompatibility seems not to be extended to other areas of its functionality. However, searching for this issues in the web and specifically in Windows 7 dedicated forums I could find quite a lot of users complaining because they are having quite a lot of troubles with Office, more specifically with Word as it seems to be prone to crashes and hang-ups, some people are saying that they have problems while trying to save a document in .pdf format and getting this message as only response: "Failed to export file to pdf due to unknown error". I do not think that could be of any help. Hopefully Microsoft developing team will be able to figure how to solve this soon.
Final Words
I must admit that I started this test with a large share of skepticism, because as you can see I have found so many complaints about this software and its use under Microsoft's latest operating system. Nevertheless I have to say that it worked nicely for me, I do not really know if this condition will be stable for ever, so I’m going to keep an eye on it.
Have you installed and used Microsoft Office 2007? If your answer is yes, well, we would like to what you think about it, please, leave your comments below. Thanks!
Tags: Microsoft Office, Office 2007, Office 2007 download, Office 2007 service pack, Outlook 2007 upgrade, Outlook updates download
June 30th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I have installed Office 2007 (Excel, Word) on Win 7 RC. Everything worked smoothly except:
Whenever Iaunch Excel I get the whole security screen thing where the screen goes dark and asks me if I want to allow Excel to make changes to my computer. Joy. Doesn't happen with Word though.
Otherwise, no hitches. No stability issues.
I do have a compatibility issue that wasn't present w. Office 2007 on XP.
It is not recognized by Quickbooks 2008 for exporting reports (actually Qbooks gives an out of memory error). Worked OK on XP, so ??
I suspect this is Intuit's problem and not a problem w. Office.
July 4th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Super Windows!!!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Max your problem sounds like a macro that runs at startup of excel, check c:program filesmicrosoft officeoffice12xlstart if there are any files in there they will load each time excel starts and may cause that issue.
I havent had any issues with any programs so far on W7 except I find my calendar appointments from outlook dont come to the front if I have something else open.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
IN Windows 7 64 bit , it will not supporting , they asking for proof.cab file . This file is already with it.
can any one help me.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I'm having compatability issues with Outlook from Office 07
November 10th, 2009 at 8:26 am
In Word, the "Insert" function does not work for typing. I wanted to type over something, which is what insert does. I don't know…. Just doesn't work. It works in this box though.
November 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
After installing Windows 7, my Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Word would not work. I got an error message saying Word has stopped working. After several frustrating attempts at a solution I tried to repair Office, this seemed to work and Word now works in a Compatibility Mode, not sure what that is but it seems to work okay.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
InfoPath 2007 is not working properly on Windows 7
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
mine is complaining about an invalid win32 application and it fails even to install
December 4th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hello,
I'm using Office 2007 (French Edition) on Windows 7. For some unknown reason, I cannot access any of the standard models/templates shipped with Office when using Word. I have checked the location of these templates (C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeTemplates) and compared this location to the templates' path (Word Options). Everything seems to be in order.
Does anyone have any idea why I cannot see the templates/models?
Thanks.
Paul
December 5th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I had version 2003 of MS Office and upgraded to the 2007 version
which was a big mistake. The new version is not very user friendly, well thought out, and just plain terrible.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I was using the '03 version of office and was glad to update to '07. There are a lot more helpful things and it is easy to use. Easy location of tabs at top and I just enjoy using it.
December 5th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I wanted to upgrade from Office 2003 without spending a lot. I downloaded the trial version from Microsoft but bought it from Amazon because of the price. I don't use OneNote; thus the 4 stars.
December 6th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Excel is a little less intuative in 2007 than the previous version. I prefer older Excel versions. The other programs seem to be refreshed in appearance, but the same user friendly type.
December 14th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I simply wanted to add a comment here to say thanks for you very nice ideas. Blogs are difficult to run and time consuming so I appreciate when I see well writen material. Your time is not going to waste with your posts. Thanks so much and continue No doubt you will defintely reach your goals! good job!
December 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I just upgraded to Windows 7 and everything seems to work with the exception of Microsoft Outlook. I can't open it at all. Any suggestions?
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
i can't open powerpoint presentations in my mail it just doesn't do anything
December 24th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
does all the office programs work on windows 7
December 26th, 2009 at 8:13 am
mi serve microsoft office per windwos 7
December 30th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I appreciate all the comments. Gives me hope that when I install MS Office 07 home /student edition I will have confidence knowing what to expect. I wonder if microsoft is taking note of all the concerns and issue a patch possibly to make it work better in areas that compatibility issues seem to dominate, like with Outlook.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
May I use Microsoft Office 2007 for Vista on Window 7? Thanks
January 6th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Can you tell me if Microsoft Office 2002 including Outlook is compatilble with Windows 7.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
i was wondering if microsoft office 2007 with work with windows 7 please response asap !!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Just purchased a HP Windows 7, i7 processor. Office Enterprise 2007 will not install. Error is "Setup cannot continue because a required file is either corrupt or not available. Run setup again from the original source disc or download location". Any help?
January 11th, 2010 at 8:35 am
I upgraded from vista to win 7. When I open a word 2007 word processor text document and start typing everything seems ok at first.Then however when I go to the desktop to name a file or to the internet my keys no longer type the correct letters.
For exsmple: the F key will start to type a-z then 1-0 then all punctuation and symbols then repeats the sequence. This happens with every key untill i reopen the text document and type a few letters there (wich the keys type correctly.)
I thought it was a virus at first so I cleaned the hdd then reinstalled win7 low and behold it still happens only when I use the word processor. If anyone knows a fix for this please let me know!!!!
February 4th, 2010 at 10:06 am
tşk
February 7th, 2010 at 1:29 am
can office 2003 also work on windows 7
February 9th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I upgraded to windows 7, and now am having trouble inserting a word document into another word document then password protecting the document. I can't seem to open the original document afterwards. Any suggestions
February 10th, 2010 at 6:22 am
I installed Windows 7 the same day I got my new computer. When I try to open a new document I get this, 'Activation Required-Thank you for installing Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007. You must activate your installation to fully enable all the features. The wizard will guide you through the activation process. How do you want to activate your software? *I want to activate the software over the internet (recommended) *I want to activate the software by telephone. Many features of the product will remain unavailable until you activate your software.' I proceed through the errors, complete my document, but cannot edit or save it because it automatically defaults to [compatibility mode]. Therefore, the professor can't accept it because it is't in correct form.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:29 am
In response to the #7 reply by Alan, I am also experiencing the same issues, only the error asked for my product key before it can be activated. The problem is that I provided my product key through the installation process and the error tells me I can't activate my software because it is already activated.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:33 am
So here I am awake at 5:30 trying to resolve Windows 7 issues so I can get on with my homework. I haven't slept all night and have to be at work in 3.5 hours. Lovely.
February 12th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I just love your blog, it's full of fresh and relevant articles and have a very nice eye catchy design! Some posts really helped me in my research, so thanks for that!! Thumbs up
February 20th, 2010 at 12:15 am
it is a best site
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:07 am
Hey, I like you blog, I\'d really love to write an article if I could.
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Hello,
I am so happy to see this blog! I just installed MS Office Professional Plus 2007. I have Windows 7. I did register the software. I am unable to format text boxes or auto shapes. I cannot add any color in Word or Publisher. I was trying to find out if there were any compatability issues. However, it appears that they work together. Has anyone else had this issue with not being able to format text boxes (change their color or line color)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
March 8th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Test driving the trial version which came with my Win7 laptop. Used Word for a resume'-everything went well, the templates made it easy. Now I'm trying to set up my Nokia (Symbian)phone for business use by trying to load Word documents into the phone; I have tried every way I can find on the web and via the Nokia PC Sync software; something is failing and blocking the transfer of Word '07, and likewise older Word text formats. I don't know if it's a "trial" software limitation, or a compatibility issue with W7. I don't have any other problems synching data to my phone (contacts, Nokia notes, etc)……..?
March 25th, 2010 at 11:40 am
thanks for oficce 2007
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:12 am
Hi. This information proved to be very useful. Can you please provide more aspects of this subject? Thanks.
April 16th, 2010 at 3:01 am
Great article, I’m an avid reader of your blog, keep up the great work, and I’ll be a regular visitor for a very long time.
June 10th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Keep working, elevated work!
June 10th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Super Duper-place! I like this! Willpower get back - it will also feed, Thanks.
June 11th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Thanks for the Great Blog post! I found your post very interesting, your a great writer. I'll make sure to bookmark your blog and return in the future. Keep up the great work, I found you on Bing. Thanks for now, Have a great day.
June 27th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Major thankies for the blog article. Cool.
July 21st, 2010 at 1:19 pm
it is absolutely good
August 21st, 2010 at 8:11 pm
I installed MS Professional Office 2007 on my new PC - Windows 7 but am having a lot of problems. I have copied over files from my other laptop but when I try to open them directly, they won't save without freezing and I can't even close the file. I end up shutting down manually and restarting. I have been able to open the file by first opening (ex:) Excel and then finding the file. It also allows me to save, but still having problems closing the file. What is going on?
September 18th, 2010 at 1:44 am
In some instances an old CITES certificate may be just that, but it is not necessarily the rule. Reading Unique Hoodia reviews and research shows that these hoodia weight loss supplements do not do this.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:16 am
I'm having trouble installing Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Plus to my Windows 7 OS. In the middle of installation, almost 60%, a prompt will show and say ProfPlus.WW cannot be found so when i locate it to the correct path, the installation percentage would decreased for like 20% and the same problem goes on…
Please help. Thanks.
September 27th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I installed Office Suite 2007 but Access did not load. I am trying to find out why! I do not have the Product key and I do not know what I am going to do.
September 30th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I installed Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 on Windows 7 on my pc. It worked fine until yearsterday it began telling me that Microsoft Word files cannot be saved with older version and I must update to some newer one… What in the world is that!? Worked find for a year and now it suddenly require something different?
October 12th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I installed Microsoft Home Office 7 on Windows 7 and Word always requires that I accept the licensing agreement - whether I am reading a Word document or whether I am creating a Word document from scratch. Is anyone else having this problem? I do have the product key and have reinstalled the package a number of times with the same result.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
this was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get something done.
November 12th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Hey, I got a new windows 7 computer, and installes, office 2010, but every time i try to open a file (word,excel…) It starts from scratch (trying to configer the files etc), is there something I should do, that i wouldnt have to go through all this process all over again? thanks
November 27th, 2010 at 4:51 am
For me,it takes for as long as 6-7 hours to install my microsoft 2007 under windows 7 system.
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 am
I was browsing the web looking for some good sites and came across your blog. I just wanted to tell you that I think your site has some good pages and that I have already bookmarked the page so I can visit again soon! Well done!
December 14th, 2010 at 1:03 am
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were invaluable invaluable
January 10th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I have the Product KEY for Microsoft Office 2007. I had te reformat my Laptop and lost the SOFTWARE CD. How do I retrieve the ORIGINAL SOFTWARE OR DISK to utilize on my reformatted LAPTOP??
January 25th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Windows 7 excel is far too difficult to use. Is taking me literally hours to use a program that I was rather good at using…is there any way to get my windows 2005 backl on my new laptop?? This is insane…not user friendly at all.
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 am
I'm hoping someone can help answer my question; I currently have Office Home and Student 2007 on my laptop. I want to move from Microsoft Mail to Outlook so I purchased Office Home and Business 2010. Can I load this software without having Microsoft Office 2010 on my laptop? or do I have to purchase Office 2010 instead?
August 17th, 2011 at 12:39 am
nice producet
October 17th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I am using window 7 and try to open WFS (Window Fax and Scan) in MS Access VBA ith Shell command it responsed to me with "File not found". Meanwhile I tested it with the calculator it works just find. Is there any connection lost between MS Access VBA and the program file called WFS (it exists in C:\Windows\Sytem32\WFS.EXE)
Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.
November 17th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Great points altogether, you simply gained a emblem new reader. What might you suggest about your publish that you simply made some days ago? Any sure?
December 15th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Was your o/s 32 bit or 64? and was the MS office 2007 specifically for the one you have?