How can access Office 2000 programs with XP as an OS?

I recently upgraded from Windows ME to XP Home. Everything works fine, except when I create a new user, the new user (like my daughter) cannot access Office 2000 programs (Word, Excel etc.). It requires that I attempt to install Office 2000, but when I do, I get the message "This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer patch package." I've tried evrything, inlcuding removing/reinstalling Office 2000, checking Office, XP support sites, but no luck.

I believe there are files in the registry left over from ME or the old Windows Installer, but can't find any way to clean things up. I've tried Windows Install Cleanup program downloaded from MS support, but still no luck.

Any ideas?

Thanks very much!!!!

This question was answered on March 25, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Windows XP has a Compatibility Mode utility that provides an application with the environment it expects from the OS it was designed for.

Create a shortcut on the desktop (if you have not done so already) to one of the Office 2000 programs After that, right-click it and select Properties from the shortcut menu The properties window will display and you will select the Compatibility tab In that tab, check the "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and then select the OS that you want XP to emulate Click apply and then run the software to find out whether the problem is resolved.

About the author

Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 25, 2004

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