David Carmack

Q: Appleworks compatibility issue

My version of Appleworks, 6.2.9, can't read many old files I created with an older version of Appleworks. In order to open the old files, I installed Appleworks 6.0.4 from a disk; it is an OS9 application. I did what I needed to do to the old files. But now, when I work on an Appleworks file of any vintage, it takes literally minutes for every keystroke to register on the screen. I think the two versions are fighting it out behind the scenes.

 

I tried to uninstall the old version using the install disk. Though it appears to perform the action, nothing is removed. I hate to say it, but at this point, I'm wishing I had bought Office for Mac in the beginning. (How can a company issue an application that isn't compatible with itself??).

 

Thanks for ideas.

PowerMac G4, MacBook Pro, OS 10.3.9/OS 10.5.8

Posted on May 20, 2012 5:28 PM

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Q: Appleworks compatibility issue

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  • by Peggy,Solvedanswer

    Peggy Peggy May 20, 2012 8:23 PM in response to David Carmack
    Level 8 (38,720 points)
    Applications
    May 20, 2012 8:23 PM in response to David Carmack

    Not just ideas, solutions.

     

    First, you ran into the problem of AppleWorks 6.2.9 not being able to open all ClarisWorks 4 or earlier files. No one can explain why it happens or why it doesn't affect all files. As you discovered, these files can be opened by any other version of AppleWorks 6. If you think you might have a need to convert any of these files in the future, I suggest you go to Yvan Koenig's iDisk & download the AppleScript he has written to downgrade AppleWorks 6.2.9 to AppleWorks 6.2.4 for your installed language version. They are in Scripts_for_AppleWorks > AW6 Downgrader. My guess would be either the one for international English (fourth item in the list) or US/North American English (the last one). After you run the AppleScript save a copy of the whole AppleWorks 6 folder to a CD or other removable drive for safekeeping. You can then “re-update” to AppleWorks 6.2.9 if you choose. AppleWorks 6.2.4 will work on any version of OS X prior to Lion.

     

    As for your other problem, the two version are not “fighting it out,” you have run into the most complained about bug in AppleWorks 6 - known as the "Recent Items bug" - & has been around since AppleWorks 6 was released in March, 2000. Take a look at these user tips by Dale Gillard - AppleWorks slow? Spinning ball appears? and Recent items not visible/updated.

     

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