Microsoft KB Archive/64834

Converting WordPerfect 5.1 Files to WinWord 1.0, 1.1 PSS ID Number: Q64834 Article last modified on 08-08-1993 PSS database name: APpsConV

1.00 1.10

WINDOWS

Summary:

To convert a document created in WordPerfect version 5.1 into Microsoft Word for Windows version 1.0 or 1.1, the WordPerfect CONVERT.EXE file conversion utility can be used to convert the WordPerfect file to the DCA/RFT format that Word for Windows can read.

Optionally, MasterSoft Corporation’s Windows Word for Word conversion utility can be used to convert files directly between WordPerfect 5.1 and Microsoft Word for Windows 1.0 or 1.1. For more information, contact MasterSoft Corporation at (602) 277-0900.

Note: Support for direct conversion to and from WordPerfect 5.1 was added in Word for Windows version 1.1a.

More Information:

The following are steps for converting WordPerfect files to DCA format using the WordPerfect 5.1 CONVERT.EXE utility:


 * 1) From the DOS prompt, change to the directory where WordPerfect is located (or to the directory where the CONVERT.EXE file resides). Type the word “convert” (without the quotation marks) and press ENTER.
 * 2) When prompted to enter “input file name,” enter the full path and filename of the file you want to convert. You are then prompted for the output filename. Enter the full path and desired output filename with an RFT file extension.
 * 3) A menu will appear. You need to choose the option to convert from WordPerfect to another format (that is, option 1). A second menu will appear. Choose to save the file as Revisable Form Text (IBM DCA format, again option 1).

The conversion utility will indicate when the file is converted.

You may then return to Word and open the file, selecting RFT format.

WordPerfect’s CONVERT.EXE provides batch conversion functionality. You can convert entire directories using syntax similar to the following:

C:*.INV to D:*.RFT

Saving a WordPerfect 5.1 document in WordPerfect 5.0 is not a valid workaround because a unique file prefix is retained to remind WordPerfect that the document was originally created in WordPerfect 5.1. This can cause an Unrecoverable Application Error (UAE) in Word for Windows.

Reference(s):

“WordPerfect for IBM Personal Computers and PC Networks”

Additional reference words: transfer textconv noupd

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.