Know about File Extension .doc

The file extension DOC or doc is used for word processing documents, most commonly for Microsoft Word. Microsoft DOC files may be opened by any version of Word which is equal to or higher in version than the version in which it was created. Other programs which will open DOC files include Apple Pages and Apple Works, Nuance OmniPage Pro X, Microsoft Word Viewer, Nuance OmniPage Professional, and the free software OpenOffice.org Writer for either the Windows or Mac platform. Microsoft Word Pad, provided on any Windows platform computer will also open DOC files. StarOffice, AbiWord and Kword will also open DOC files.

There are, however, several other software programs that have used the file extension DOC. These are DisplayWrite 4 documents, Interleaf documents, Microsoft BIFF files, Palm Pilot DOC files, and Samna Word formatted text which is mixed ASCII and binary. If the icon displayed with a file does not have the Microsoft Word “W,” this doc file was probably created with one of these other pieces of software. Early uses of the DOC file extension were made by WordStar, Volkswriter, and the lesser known SmatWare, Sprint, Total Word, Wang IWP, and WordMarc. If a Word DOC file cannot be opened with Microsoft Word it may have been created in a higher version, or there may be registry errors. Liutilities.com or fileinfo.net offer a free registry scan and booster to fix errors. This is certified safe by Microsoft.

The best suggestion to create DOC files is to use the Microsoft software, rather than trying to create them through Open Office. This is because the file may sometimes fail unexpectedly and no longer be able to be opened. In this situation creating backup files on a very regular basis is recommended. Some viruses may corrupt DOC files making it impossible to open them with any Microsoft Word program. The reported error is “the document name or path is not valid.” If this occurs the text may sometimes be retrieved by using Word Pad, but formatting will be lost.