DOCX File Extension Information

The .DOCX file extension is very similar to one you probably already know- the .DOC. It's not a coincidence; the .DOCX is the new file extension format that Microsoft Office 2007 uses as a default file format.

How to open .DOCX File Extensions

Since there are obvious backwards compatibility issues here, users of Microsoft Office versions before 2007 will have trouble opening the format. This means that a little foresight can prevent a lot of trouble for most cases. Instead of saving in the default .DOCX format, one can still save in the previous .DOC format, so the file will still be compatible with previous versions.

One would think that Microsoft is just looking to make extra money from forcing users to buy the new version of Microsoft Office 2007. Although many would love to think that, Microsoft does indeed have a free program available on their website, which converts the files to formats readable by older versions of Microsoft Office.

For users who use other solutions such as OpenOffice or WordPerfect, the converter is still necessary. If Microsoft can't make the new format backwards-compatible, then the chances of other programs being able to open these formats is very slim.

Reasons for the .DOC to .DOCX Switch

Among the many reasons Microsoft claims the switch was necessary, the fact that the new format can make use of .ZIP files to compact the overall file size is quite a feat. This makes file sending and receiving much easier- as the documents are compacted and much more robust.

Compatibility is another key feature. Although one could argue that the lack of compatibility between the new standard and old standards is counterproductive, the new standard is fast becoming adopted by corporations such as Apple, Corel, Novell, and many others.

Standardization is something that Microsoft is pushing for. The .DOCX file type, also called Microsoft Word Open XML Document, makes use of XML technology that can make compatibility and standardization a nonissue. Microsoft is currently undergoing through the International Organization for Standardization to get a world-wide standardization of their new concept.

But not everyone is happy with the switch. Controversy has arisen over the fact that Microsoft uses .ZIP files for the compression feature of .DOCX files. There are also some notable security risks that come with the addition of Java or ActiveX controls that may be particularly harmful if abused. There have also been complaints of macros being abused maliciously, which further compounds security problems.

Final Notes on the .DOCX File Extension

The .DOCX file extension is generally safe to work with, as long as documents are only accepted from trusted individuals. Otherwise, a security program will be needed to help counteract the possible security holes that Java and ActiveX controls create.

For the best protection, a good antivirus and antispyware program will be needed. In most cases, the threat is low, however. While Java and ActiveX controls can indeed harm one's computer, common sense tells us not to accept .DOCX formats from strangers.