Upgrading from Office 2003 to 2010

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If I’m doing the wrong thing starting a new thread, I apologise, but there are sooo many threads …

I wondered if I could get some advice about upgrading my MS Office.

I currently have Office 2003 and I know that support for it finished a couple of months ago. I also have Office 2010, which has never been opened, and I’m wondering if there are any tips or tricks I should be aware of, or should I just back everything up and then install all the 2010 components, including Outlook and the other “extras”?

My system is a Dell Optiplex 755 with Windows 7 N 64-bit SP1.

Regards,

Noel

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IMO, when embarking on a major upgrade a complete system backup is always a good idea.

After the backup I’d uninstall Office 2003 then install Office 2010. Unless you have some specific reason to install 64-bit Office such as very, very large spreadsheets be sure to install the 32-bit version. Even now, many Office add-ins will only work in the 32-bit version. IIRC, the 32-bit version of Office 2010 was more stable than the 64-bit version too.

If you’ve never used an Office version released after Office 2003 be aware that you’ll encounter a learning curve in getting used to the Ribbon UI. Stick to it for a couple weeks and you’ll be fine. See Ribon Hero 2[/url] and Office Labs: Search Commands for a couple of tools to help acclimate to the Ribbon.

The biggest issue you’ll have is any Office macros, VBA code, and Office add-ins. Be sure to thoroughly check those before you embark on the upgrade. If you are not sure about any of these items post back and most likely someone here will be able to help.

Joe

--Joe

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Joe, thanks for that. I didn’t know about the issues with 64-bit Office so that will save some heartache! I don’t have any macros or VBA code to worry about, so that won’t be a problem, but I’m not sure what you mean by “add-ins”.

The only other concern I have is what happens to all my Outlook emails if I uninstall the 2003 version completely and then install 2010. Will I lose them? I have Safe PST Backup, but I’ve never had to use it to restore.

Anyway, thank you again. Since there are a few steps in the process I might dedicate next weekend to it. I’ll post some news about the result.

Cheers,

Noel

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what happens […] if I uninstall the 2003 version completely and then install 2010?

You don’t have to uninstall Office 2003 beforehand. The 2010 setup will ask you whether to remove any previous versions during the install. If you want to keep the old version of a single Office app, say only Access 2003, for compatibility reasons you can exclude it from the removal.
Office 2010 setup will automatically migrate as many of your settings as possible if you do not opt out. The “as possible” here refers to technology changes in the new version that make defaulting some settings necessary.

After setup has completed and everything runs fine be sure to check your “installed programs” for any 2003 leftovers and have them uninstalled (unless it is something you decided to keep).

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The only other concern I have is what happens to all my Outlook emails if I uninstall the 2003 version completely and then install 2010. Will I lose them? I have Safe PST Backup, but I’ve never had to use it to restore.

Export all of your current account setup info, contacts, and email;
http://www.windowsbbs.com/microsoft-mail-outlook-outlook-express-windows-live-mail/88037-exporting-importing-all-microsoft-outlook-email-accounts-settings.html

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“Add-ins” are any additional features such as anti-virus integration, Act! integration, etc. that may have been installed. Sometimes you don’t realize that they’ve been added.

Uninstalling Office 2003 will not delete your PST files or other settings. Your data files will be fine. You should not have to worry about that. You should let Office 2010 create a new file when you setup your email account. Then open the old (2003) PST file in Outlook. Drag and drop emails, calendar entries, tasks, etc. to the appropriate 2010 folders.

Joe

--Joe

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If you’re a heavy Office 2003 user with custom toolbars, macros, add-ins and templates, be prepared for a shock, although you are skipping O2007 which was truly a disaster.

If you are a light user, the interface change won’t be too bad, but it may take time to find all your favourite tools and commands. Since retiring, I gone from being a power user to being just a home user. I have absolutely no problem with 64-bit Office 2010.

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This page/tool was invaluable to me and my office during our transition from menus to ribbons. The links take you to what looks like a blank Word (or Excel, Access, etc.) page showing menus. Click the menu, then the command, and it will show you where the same command is on the ribbon.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/learn-where-menu-and-toolbar-commands-are-in-office-2010-and-related-products-HA101794130.aspx#_Toc268688374

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