Knowledge Base

WD: Converting WordStar 7.0 Files to Word for Windows Format

PSS ID Number: 114169

Article Last Modified on 11/5/2000

The information in this article applies to:

This article was previously published under Q114169

SUMMARY

WordStar versions 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0 share the same file format; however, with each new version, additional features were added to the format. WordStar 4.0 has a different file format from WordStar 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0.

Microsoft Word versions 6.0 and later for Windows support WordStar 3.3, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0 file formats. Word versions 7.0 and later also support importing WordStar 1.0 and 2.0 for Windows documents.

Word 2.0 for Windows supports WordStar 3.3, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, and 5.5. While Word 2.0 doesn't support WordStar 6.0 and 7.0, Word 2.0 can open WordStar 6.0 and 7.0 files because the file format didn't change (it was only added to). WordStar 6.0 and 7.0 features cannot be converted, of course, because the converter was built to support features included up to WordStar version 5.5.

MORE INFORMATION

New WordStar 7.0 features:

  • Macros: WordStar 7.0 has a new macro system, which includes the following capabilities:
    • You can record a macro.

    • You can use the Basic-like macro language to create and edit macros to perform complex functions. And you can use the Single Step command to run a macro step-by-step for easy debugging.

    • You can run a macros using a hot key or the Play command.


  • Integrated graphics conversion: WordStar converts the graphic into a .PIX file format when opening a graphic in WordStar.
  • Fax Support: You can use a new command to create .PCX fax files.
  • Windows Clipboard support: You can copy blocks of text up to 64K to and from the Microsoft Windows Clipboard.
  • Mouse Support: You can use a mouse in WordStar 7.0.
  • EMS support: WordStar uses expanded memory (EMS) when it's available. You can set the level of EMS support using WSCHANGE (CC2G). When sufficient EMS is available, you can now run Preview, Inset, the thesaurus, or background printing when you have two windows open.
  • New screen design: Redesigned pull-down menus, New Editing screen with style bar the mouse can change, vertical scroll bar, and so on.
  • Hide Dot Commands: Toggle command tags on and off (like the Word Show All feature).
  • Print and Print merge printing: The Print option allows you to choose between printing and merge printing when you print a file.
  • Write a block to ASCII: you can choose to copy a block of text you Edit->Copy->To Another File in ASCII format.
  • Re-mark or unmark a block: Marks the block that was marked before you marked the current one.
  • Improved support for colors and shading: The list of colors or shades that appears shows correct choices for your printer.
  • Preview improvements: Preview supports for more monitors and video modes.
  • Improved paper bin support: Paper bins supported by your printer are listed.
  • Go to a style tag: Go to the next paragraph style tag.
  • Support for many new printers: Support for over 550 printers.
  • More WSCHANGE options. New WSCHANGE options have been added.
  • TelMerge improvements: TelMerge supports the COM3 & COM4 ports on most systems.
  • Star Exchange improvements: Several new capabilities and support of additional file formats (dBASE IV, Lotus 1-2-3 version 3.0, and Apple Macintosh format).
For more information on converting documents between WordStar 7.0 and Word 7.0, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

156671 WordStar Converter Limitations in Word 7.0 for Windows

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.

REFERENCES

"WordStar for DOS User Guide," pages xiv-xix and 2-5

Additional query words: conv wordstar.cnv convert converted converts conversion translate translated translates translation transfer transferred transfers transferring open opening

Keywords: kb3rdparty kbconversion kbinfo kbinterop KB114169
Technology: kbWord600 kbWord600a kbWord600c kbWord95 kbWord95a kbWord95Search kbWordSearch kbZNotKeyword2


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