How to read Microsoft Word documents if you don't have Word

Jean Hanson

If you do not have Microsoft Word on your computer, you may have trouble opening the file.  Instead of double clicking the file to open it, open the word processing program that you have on your computer.  Most computers come with Microsoft Works. Once you have your word processing program open go to File, Open, and try to open the document that way. 

If that does not work download the file again, but save the document as an RTF file (rich text format). Give the file a name, such as test.rtf.  Then in the bottom box  (Save as type) change the format to "All Files". 

Now go back to your word processing program.  Go to File, Open.

Change the file type (bottom box) to Rich Text Format.  Then click on the file name you wish to open.