Cannot Convert WordPerfect Password-Protected File

WINDOWS                                | MACINTOSH

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.1a
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 5.1a, 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a

SYMPTOMS

Microsoft Word will not convert a password-protected WordPerfect file. When you try to open a password-protected WordPerfect file into Word, one of the following error messages will be displayed:

• File cannot be opened because of password protection.
• Cannot Open File.
• Converter not installed

WORKAROUND

To convert password-protected WordPerfect files into Word for Windows, you must first remove the password with the document opened in WordPerfect, and then resave the document without a password.

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

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

In WordPerfect 6.x for Windows, click Save As from the File menu. Clear the Password Protect checkbox and resave the document without a password.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Within WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, choose Password from the File menu, type a password, choose the Set button, retype the password, and choose the Set button again.

In WordPerfect 6.x for Windows, click Save As from the File menu. Enable the Password Protect checkbox and save the document. You will be prompted to enter and verify the password.

Microsoft Word has no way of parsing the unpublished password encryption employed by WordPerfect. This WordPerfect feature is by design.

REFERENCES

"WordPerfect for IBM Personal Computers and PC Networks"