Word 5.x Not 32-bit Clean
Chuck Levine wrote an apt response to our comment in TidBITS-157 that Word 5.x-related items flagged by Compatibility Checker 2.0 are compatible with System 7:
"I have found that a few of the Save As translators are NOT 32-bit clean (namely Text with Layout) Using these translators in 32-bit mode will crash systems. I first found this problem with Word 5.0a. Microsoft admitted that the problem wasn’t fixed in 5.1 and wouldn’t tell me when they planned on fixing it."
Chuck’s right about the problem with the Text with Layout converter, and you should also watch out for these 32-bit problems with Word:
- Using the WordPerfect converter in conjunction with AccessPC from Insignia Solutions.
- Using Alki Software’s MasterWord version 1.0 (update to 1.0b for 32-bit cleanliness).
- Using Word 4.0 and earlier (Word 4.0a is fine). If you need 32-bit cleanliness and use Word 4.0, Microsoft will update you to 4.0d for free.
Microsoft Customer Service — 800/426-9400
Microsoft Macintosh Word Technical Support — 206/635-7200
Insignia Solutions — 415/694-7600 — 800/848-7677
Alki Software — 800/669-9673 — 206/286-2600
Information from:
Chuck Levine — [email protected]