using DOC files in wordpad.exe

[John]

i have some questions about using .DOC files with windows xp wordpad.exe. i
created a document in microsoft word, on another computer, saved it on that
computer for printing purposes at home. my home computer does not have word
on it, just the standard oem version of wordpad. i had intended on simply
opening the DOC file in wordpad and printing the document. when opened
though, the document does not look the same as i had created it. though, if i
open the same file in word, it looks fine. if you download said file from
here, http://www.angelfire.com/or/jrl2/CONTACTS.doc , and try opening it with
the standard wordpad program, as well as word, you will see the differences.
i am referring specifically to the lighter colored font color, shading, as
well as the grid that appears in wordpad, and the non existence of these
things under word. i realize there are features from word used in the
document that are not available in wordpad, but i would suppose that if
wordpad is able to open the document, it should at least display it properly
and as created. i want to be able to open the document in wordpad and print
it just as it looks from word. is this not possible, and, if it is, what do i
need to do something differently? i do not have internet access at home, or i
would just download the microsoft office 'trial'. nor do i have a disc large
enough to contain the download of that. id appreciate any input on this
matter.

thanks
john

 

[Robert M. Franz [RMF]]

Hi John

i have some questions about using .DOC files with windows xp wordpad.exe. i
created a document in microsoft word, on another computer, saved it on that
computer for printing purposes at home. my home computer does not have word
on it, just the standard oem version of wordpad. i had intended on simply
opening the DOC file in wordpad and printing the document. when opened
though, the document does not look the same as i had created it.

I guess you are out of luck with using WordPad for that.

You might try to download and install Wordviewer at home, though.

The word format in itself is not the best choice if you want to preserve
the document for printing only. I suggest you convert the document to
PDF for this task.

HTH
Robert