Word 365 compatibility issue with older Word (2019,2016,2012,2010,2007) save file

Question

we have counter an issue regarding of word file, file word that has been save in older version like 2019,2016,2012,2010, and 2007, was frequently freeze when opening in Word 365. The word file consist only with 10-20 pages with commentary balloon. The user is roaming profile using Windows10 version 22H2, with Active Directory is WIndows Server 2016.

Is it any compability issue that make Word 365 is frequently freeze when open older word file?

Answer 1

1. Do not open documents directly from an email. Save to local hard drive and open from within Word from the local save location. Opening directly from email has caused loss of work for many users.
2. There are File Block settings in the Trust Center settings that may be causing issues.

Answer 2

Hi,

What kind of file format did you use?

Did this problem only appear with documents created in other versions of Word?

How did you get these files? From shared folder or send as attachments.

Did you install other versions of Office in the same PC?

Try to disable firewall and antivirus software and check if this problem is related to security settings.

I suggest you provide more information about the problem and I'm glad to help you.

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Answer 3

Hi, the format that make freeze either *.doc or *.docx.

The problem appear if the Word file from other version of Word.

The file get is from email attachment.

No other version Office in the same PC.

Answer 4

Confirming that there is an issue with some .doc files after the update to 2305. Some .doc files freeze and crash Word when trying to save, or even selecting all and copying the document.

Microsoft are aware but have said they're not going to fix this one.

Answer 5

This is responding to @JTC above. He said:

Confirming that there is an issue with some .doc files after the update to 2305. Some .doc files freeze and crash Word when trying to save, or even selecting all and copying the document. Microsoft are aware but have said they're not going to fix this one.

I do not know who JTC is to confirm this or to state that Microsoft has said they are not going to fix it. I replied to the post asking about that and have received no response. I do not work for Microsoft and never have worked for Microsoft. I am a Word user with more than 30 years of experience on primarily Windows.

I have been using both releases under 2305 in Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 and have not experienced the issue. I have tested with files in .doc and .docx format from previous versions, including new documents generated by those versions.

I have heard of one instance where this version, on a Mac, is not able to open files in .doc format that were produced by third-party software, not by Word.

Again, it is standard advice to avoid opening Word documents that are attached to email directly from the email. That is not to prevent crashes, but to prevent loss of work done on a file so opened.

I do not know that JTC is mistaken but would like to know of the source of the information. Again, it runs counter to my experience and to what I have seen on this forum and other Word forums.