WD2000: Cannot Convert WordPerfect Password-Protected Document

ID: Q211697

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 2000

SYMPTOMS

Microsoft Word cannot convert a password-protected WordPerfect file. When you try to open a password-protected WordPerfect file in Word, one of the following error messages appears:

File cannot be opened because of password protection.

-or-

Cannot Open File.

-or-

Converter not installed.

CAUSE

Most products use unpublished proprietary methods to password-protect (encrypt) their documents. For this reason, Microsoft Word cannot include the capability of opening (decrypting) password-protected documents that are saved by other products.

WORKAROUND

To convert a password-protected WordPerfect document in Word, you must first remove the password from the document in WordPerfect and then resave the document in WordPerfect without a password.

In WordPerfect 5.1 for MS-DOS and Windows, open the file, press CTRL+F5 (Text In/Out), press 2 (Password), and then press 2 again (Remove). After removing the password, save the file and quit WordPerfect.

In WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, click Password on the File menu, click the Remove button, and then save the file so the change can take effect.

In WordPerfect 6.x for Windows, click Save As on the File menu. Clear the Password Protect check box, and then resave the document without a password.

MORE INFORMATION

WordPerfect 5.1 for MS-DOS and Windows contains an option for locking a document with a password. To lock a WordPerfect document, select Text In/Out (CTRL+F5), Password, Add/Change, and enter your password twice.

In WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, click Password on the File menu, type a password, click the Set button, retype the password, and click the Set button again.

In WordPerfect 6.x for Windows, click Save As on the File menu. Click to select the Password Protect check box, and save the document. You will be prompted to enter and verify the password.

Microsoft Word cannot parse the unpublished password encryption employed by WordPerfect. This WordPerfect feature is by design.
The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: textconv


Keywords          : kbdta kbconversion 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: May 13, 1999