[SOLVED] Libre Office to format files for Microsoft

[pottzie]

I can't figure out how to get Libre Office to format files so they can be read by Microsoft. Just sent out my resume, only to be told that they can't be read once the recipient opens them.

There are what seem to me to be horrendous guides that basically tell me that I have to re-write all of Libre Office's code to make this happen. I had the same problem with Open Office and remember that all I had to do was use "Save As..." and MS Word or Excel were shown as options. Can't seem to get that to happen with Libre Office.

Found this guide:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/fiv...ibreoffice/567

But when I hit "Tool/Options" then go to General from the load/save option, I get a panel saying that "This is where you define settings...blah blah..you can define settings in OLE or Microsoft Documents.."

That sounds like just what I want..except that when I click OK, it just tries to place the unformatted file into my Home directory, leaving me with the same unreadable document that I have now.

How can I get Libre Office to speak Microsot-ease?

[Chilly Willy]

All that is needed is to save the file as a "DOC" file - I.E. -- Resume.doc (enter this in the "name" bar at top of "save" box)
This assumes that "all formats" is what is in the dropdown box at the bottom, which IIRC, is the default.

This can be set as default as well...

[bbfuller]

If you use the "down arrow" to the left of "load/save", you'll find a section "General".

At the bottom of the general panel, you'll find a section where you can specify what sort of document is saved for each of the Open/Libre Office modules.

[dd_wizard]

For cover letters, resumes, and the like, I always export as .pdf files. A number of companies prefer/require pdf files, and I've never had one rejected.

dd_wizard

[mikereid]

As the above poster says, while saving as .doc is handy for interchangeability with Word, it seems to me a little odd to mail a word-processor file of something like a resume, which you're not expecting the recipient to edit. It would be safer (in the sense that the formatting will be exactly as you want it) to send out a read-only document as a PDF. You can save as PDF with:
File>Export and PDF

[Gareth Jones]

As others have said (see attached screen-shots).

Or you could send your CV as a PDF.

Gareth

[pottzie]

Tried the .doc extension, when I sent it to my wife's XP box, Windows still couldn't make it work.

[Chilly Willy]

Have you tried a know GOOD DOC file (one created elsewhere) on that M$ machine to make sure that there aren't any issues with IT?

If this all checks, then recheck your Libre Office setup & the way you are saving.
Without being able to look over your shoulder as you do it, I'd only be guessing from here on... sorry! (there are so may variables, I'm not sure that even screen-shots would help)

[pottzie]

Yep, been kinda busy and haven't had a chance to see what else is wrong. I just installed Libre Office today and am just getting the hang of things.

Say...didn't I see where the other day Microsoft whooped Novell's hind end in a court case where Novell sued Billy G. for dumping Open Office way back whenever? Something about Macrobucks, er Microsoft promising the moon to O.O., then shafting them and shipping Word instead? Gee, I wonder where they got it in their heads to make things so that Microsoft, and ONLY Microsoft's file extensions would work on Windows?

Yer Honor, I rest my case.

[pottzie]

This is where I wind up when I try and set the file formats. No drop down menu, etc.


Obviously, showing a screenshot is something else I haven't figured out.

[Dan]

For the screenshot, just poke the [print screen] button on the keyboard, and patiently wait for a few seconds.

For any documents sent to our poor slumming cousins using Microsoft Office®, just export as a PDF, encrypt with an opening password, then send the document to whomever you wish, with a followup phone call with the password.

[Gareth Jones]

Originally Posted by pottzie

Obviously, showing a screenshot is something else I haven't figured out.

Don't worry, it's less than obvious... Hit the quote or reply button, rather than using the quick reply box below, and scroll down to "Additional Options", to "Attach Files" and click the button there.

Gareth

[Dan]

Yeah. And what he said, too! <....>

[Chilly Willy]

Originally Posted by pottzie

This is where I wind up when I try and set the file formats. No drop down menu, etc.


Obviously, showing a screenshot is something else I haven't figured out.

Check the screenshots in post #6, it is the "save" I mentioned, if you don't have this then I'd say your install is bad.
The dropdown is where his pointer is... & the right hand shot is what is in the dropdown.

NOTE: forget the DOCX (or any of the "X" stuff) - some people with older stuff can't handle THAT crapola, either!
Also, watch what you send in PDF format - resumes I can see, but if the recipient needs to alter that document in the least, they will cuss you for it. OR if they use one of those online converter & there is any personal / sensitive info in it, you MAY be getting into a security issue. (remember, once it leaves YOUR hands, it may be in the hands of IDIOTS)

[pottzie]

That's OK, it was in an idiot's hands when I had it, too.
As far as being a bad install, I have Libre office on both an older Thinkpad with a fallback gnome, and a PC with the "new and improved(???)" gnome. Libre Office works the same on both, I can't find that drop-down in either install.