[dancingdolphin]

Hi
I am trying to convert an old works wdb file to something that will allow me to read/print the file in win xp pro. The wd b file was saved in a version of works that came with win me. I found a program that will do it but it costs nearly AUD$100 and as it's only one file I thought that was a bit expensive! Does anyone know of a free/cheap program that will convert this wdb file to word/excel/adobe reader etc? The free-to-try program cuts out some of my info.

Thanks

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Hi dancingdolphin.

What version of Word do you have on your computer?

You may be able to open the file by opening Word, clicking File, Open, changing Type to "All files" then browsing to the file. Word may then try to convert the file.

[piper]

Hi dancingdolphin.

What version of Word do you have on your computer?

You may be able to open the file by opening Word, clicking File, Open, changing Type to "All files" then browsing to the file. Word may then try to convert the file.

[dancingdolphin]

Hi and thanks,

I have Office XP Pro, with Word version 10.0. Tried your suggestion, even looked through the different codes to see if I could find something that would work. No luck. A friend said Open Office may do it, what do you think? It's a big download and I'm on satellite broadband, but if anyone thinks it will work I'm happy to try it.

[piper]

What error did you get when trying to open the file from inside Word? Maybe you need to install the converters?

Open Office is worth a shot.

[dancingdolphin]

Hi Again,

Word is not displaying the text, just a lot of symbols. Do the converters download with the upgrades from the microsoft site?

[piper]

The converters don't install by default, but if you have your Office disk you can install them. See this link for information and instructions.

[dancingdolphin]

Just tried Open Office latest version and still not getting clear text. I've put my MS Office disk in the wrong folder but will locate it tonight and have a shot at your suggestions overnight and let you know what happens. Seems like Open Office will open everything except a .wdb extension file. Such is life!!!!
Cheers, Dancing Dolphin

PS: noted your instructions for word converters. Will do ASAP.

Edited by dancingdolphin, 28 June 2007 - 05:29 AM.

[dancingdolphin]

Tried Word converters and still no go! Not showing clear text, just symbols still.

[piper]

Well, that's no good.

Do you recall if the old Works file is more of a document or spreadsheet? And do you know which version of Works the file was created in?

http://groups.google...4eb4e7426294999

From that link, it doesn't look hopeful we'll be able to convert the data. Do you still have the Windows ME disk? It may have Works on it and it might be worth trying to install it on your current system in order to resurrect that file.

I did find some converters at Microsoft's site, but they were for .WPS files to Word or Excel, plus a way to mail merge the Works file into Word. Here are the links:
http://support.micro....com/?id=832796
http://www.microsoft...;displaylang=en
http://support.micro...kb;en-us;291481
http://www.microsoft...;DisplayLang=en
http://office.micros...0448771033.aspx
http://www.microsoft...;DisplayLang=en

Anyone else viewing this post have suggestions?

[cmw2010]

Do you still have access to a version of Works. If so try to take a copy of your .wdb file open it in Works and save it as a .dbf file. I say to use a copy, so if it doesn't work you still have the original. Then try to open it in Excel.

[123Runner]

I have done a lot of searching.
The suggestions are:
See if you can find someone with works (wdb) and open the file and save it in another extension you can read.

A possible solution THIS LINK.

They have a trial, BUT, also say they will convert 1 file (wdb) with the unlimited version. Worth a shot.

[dancingdolphin]

Hello to all,

Going to visit a friend today with an older computer and hope he still has works. Will also try the offered link/trial program, and hope it's not the one I already have. Will report progress as soon as I can, if not today then definitely tomorrow.

Thanks all, really appreciate your efforts for me!

[dancingdolphin]

Hi again,

Waiting on responses to the last suggestions:
emailed the .wdb file to the website that promises to convert them, and no response so far;
have a friend with an older computer, and he will let me know if he has "works" when he gets home later today.

Will report progress on those as soon as I can.

Thanks heaps!

[123Runner]

Good luck and thanks for keeping us updated.

[dancingdolphin]

Still waiting on response from the trial coversion folks, and still trying to catch my friend with the old computer at home (he's a ship's captain and is on-call 24/7). Hope to have some action on that front today. Thanks heaps!