Generally you would normally open the file in WORKS and then save it down as a file that Excel can
read. .xlr is a native Excel format, or .txt, .csv, dbaseIV are all formats it can read. You
can also find a converter here if you don't have WORKS.
http://www.rl-software.com/indexjs.htm?/converter/wkscnvxls_e.htm
Text from the website above:-
Microsoft does not provide an import Excel filter for Works-WKS files later than version 2. (for
Works-WPD and Word they do). There is no standard way to convert a lot of Works-WKS files into the
Excel format. You need to save each file out of Works manually into XLS which is a pain in the
neck. Here comes our MS Works Spreadsheets to Excel Converter. It does not need a Works
Installation and you can use the batch converting wizard (see right side).
a.. Completely integrated into Excel 97/2000/XP, no external program
b.. Imports MS Works Spreadsheet (*.WKS) 3.x ,4.x, 200x files
c.. Convenient, selfextracting and selfinstalling setup procedure
d.. Can be removed completely with standard deinstall procedure
e.. Works with Windows 9x, ME, NT 4, 2000, XP
f.. Our RL-File-Conversion-Wizard is part of the package
g.. Converts cell alignments, font styles, etc.
h.. Excel helper macros to make migration easier
i.. No need for a Works installation
j.. Free Updates: Our registered customers can download the latest version from our download
area at any time
Two articles from Microsoft that deal with Works and the files it can open/save as.
Works: Sharing Works Files with Other Programs
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-ca;271080
Works: Limitations of Sharing Files with Excel
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-ca;269273