A few days ago I logged onto my MacBook pro and a message was displayed along the lines that the next software update would not support my Excel and word etc. It was something in relation to the migration to 64 bit technology and how it affects 32 bit applications. 

 

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436

 

If I do the update and then buy a new excel / word app.... will I be able to then open old excel spreadsheets? Its a royal pain in the ass if I can do this.

 

thanks

If you get the latest version of MS apps for Mac, they should be able to open your old documents.

And depending on the features you require in Excel, there are options such as OpenOffice or Libre that can open and save Word and Excel documents. I use Numbers and OpenOffice regularly at my job, working with Word and Excel documents provided by clients, with no trouble.

You can also use Apples Numbers, KeyNote and Pages in most cases instead of Office, It's free very compatible and can export to office format if you need.

 

If you buy a new Office make sure you buy a stand alone copy that is yours. and not a subscription so you have to pay over and over.

On 2/11/2019 at 2:32 PM, Eaglekott said:

You can also use Apples Numbers, KeyNote and Pages in most cases instead of Office, It's free very compatible and can export to office format if you need.

 

If you buy a new Office make sure you buy a stand alone copy that is yours. and not a subscription so you have to pay over and over. 

 

"stand alone copy that is yours. and not a subscription so you have to pay over and over."

 

Wise idea.

On 2/11/2019 at 2:32 PM, Eaglekott said:

If you buy a new Office make sure you buy a stand alone copy that is yours. and not a subscription so you have to pay over and over.

can this be purchased online?

64 bit Office for Mac has been available since 2016. It us just that the version you have currently installed is not 64 bit.

I paid 100 baht for 5 device subscription to Office 365 off Ebay, works well.

Only thing is you cannot link up your existing acccount if you have one need to use the one they give you which is something like [email protected] but still great for activations