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File Compatibility Questions and Answers
DocumentID: 649939
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 8:19:39 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 5.1 for DOS

Problem

Symptoms: What are the basic hardware needs to load WordPerfect 5.1? Will the user need any additional equipment to convert their files? Solutions: The diskettes can be read with a regular disk drive, and the user will not need any additional equipment to convert files.


Question:
What version of DOS will be needed to run WordPerfect 5.1?

Answer:
DOS 2.0 or higher will be needed to run WP 5.1.


Question:
What should be considered when converting a WP 4.2 file into WP 5.1?

Answer:
Convert the files from one directory to another directory, and make sure that the directory you are converting contains no .EXE or .COM files.


Question:
What is a best fit font?

Answer:
When fonts are not identical to the original selection, it is marked with an asterisk.


Question:
What is an unknown code?

Answer:
A code that is unrecognized by WordPerfect 5.0 is marked as an unknown code.


Question:
When can a file be retrieved directly into WP 5.1?

Answer:
A WP 4.2 or WP 5.0 data file can be directly retrieved in WP 5.1.


Question:
What will happen to a converted document containing a Line Height change?

Answer:
WordPerfect 5.1 will add a two point leading to the font. The user may want to make an adjustment of the leading added by changing the option on the format menu.


Question:
Can the user take their WP 5.1 documents directly into WP 5.0? Will they need to be concerned about release dates of WP 5.0?

Answer:
WP 5.1 Documents can be retrieved into WP 5.0 or saved in WP 5.0 or WP 4.2 format. If you take a WP 5.1 document into WP 5.0 with a release date of January 3, 1989, you will get an "Incompatible File Format" error message.


Question:
Are WP 5.1 documents compatible with WP 4.2?

Answer:
No, unless you save them in WP 4.2 format using Text In/Out.


Question:
Will the macros created in WP 5.0 work in WP 5.1?

Answer:
Yes, unless there has been a menu change.


Question:
Will WP 4.2 and WP 5.0 merge files need to be converted before performing a merge in WP 5.1?

Answer:
No.


Question:
When should the Text In/Out Key be used for converting files?

Answer:
The Text In/Out key should be used when you are retrieving a DOS text file into WordPerfect, or if you will be saving the file for use with WordPerfect 4.2 or 5.0.


Question:
What is the "Generic" option in the Save As menu?

Answer:
The file is stripped of all codes, except margins and tabs.


Question:
When would you use the conversion resource file (.CRS)?

Answer:
The user would use the .CRS file they want to specify the conditions of their conversion. The .CRS file is accessed when using Text In/Out or when using the CONVERT.EXE program.


Question:
How would you convert a printer file? Will the user want to use the PTR program?

Answer:
A WP 5.0 printer file can be copied and used in the WP 5.1 directory of WordPerfect. WordPerfect recommends using the PTR program to convert font libraries created in WP 5.0 for soft fonts.


Question:
What will happen to printer files containing third party fontware, like Bitstream?

Answer:
To use Bitstream Fonts in WP 5.1, and have all the printing capabilities available in 5.1, the user will need to convert the Font Library from WP 5.0 to WP 5.1 using the PTR program.


Question:
Will character tables defined in the PTR program convert to 5.1?

Answer:
It is recommended that the user recreate your character tables in 5.1. WordPerfect 5.1 addresses Character Tables and Kern Tables in a different manner than in WP 5.0.


Question:
Will the user's Kern Tables convert?

Answer:
Yes, but again it is recommended to recreate them in WP 5.1.


Question:
Has pagination changed? How can the user prevent the change from happening?

Answer:
Pagination will appear differently on the user's WP 5.0 documents when they have been converted to WP 5.1. The added two point leading will push text further down on the page. This can be adjusted on by pressing Shift-F8, 4 for Other, 6 for Printer Functions, then 6 for Leading.


Question:
Can a WP 5.1 file be brought into another platform, like WordPerfect on the VAX, Data General or Macintosh?

Answer:
Yes, when converting to another platform the user will need to save their WP 5.1 file to the same version level as the platform they are converting to. On the Macintosh, the user will be able to do the same conversion as with WP 5.0.

Answer:

Details:


Product specifications, packaging, technical support and information (*Specifications*) refer to theUnited States retail English version only. Specifications for other versions may vary. All Specifications, claims, features, representations, and/or comparisons provided are correct to the best of our knowledge of the date of publication, but are subject to change without notice.OUR MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU AND THAT OF OUR DEALERS AND SUPPLIERS IS LIMITED. IT SHALL NOTEXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION. SEE LEGAL DISCLAIMER.