I tried it and it didn't work. Also, curiously enough, when you try to
change the default program for a .doc file using the typical method, Windows
ignores that specification. I wanted to make .doc files use 2003 and .docx
use 2007. I opened an Explorer window and went to Tools> Folder Options>
File Types tab and specified C:\Program Files\Microsoft
Office\OFFICE11\Winword.exe as the opening program for .doc types and it just
ignored that setting. I installed my Office 2007 in C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office 2007\. Apparently there is some hidden reference to
the new Office 2007 program whenever they could possibly be used in order to
force us to use them. If someone knows how to get around this problem, that
knowledge would be appreciated.
The balance of this message is complaining about this situation and not
useful for the problem at hand.
Imagine how could these office applications could be if Microsoft used
excellent coding standards, and made the primary goals be performance and
ease-of-use, rather than squeezing every last upgrade drop of cash from the
enormous installed base that use their software.
Clearly Microsoft went out of their way not to let users use the software
the way they wanted by disallowing this reassignment of default programs.
Because their software releases provide only marginal benefit, they must
force us all to upgrade by the use of arcane, hidden things like this. I
believe they are frightened that if we can continue to use Office 2003 and
2007 concurrently, there will be no impetus to leave it behind because it
isn't really any better, just different. The inability to continue with Word
2003 and Outlook 2003 with Office 2007 installed is another good example of
forcing users to upgrade for no real reason other than revenue for Microsoft.
Maybe they should concentrate on reducing code size and better performance
instead of continuing to bloat they applications with marginally useful,
broken "features".
