Lamc
asked on
MS Office 97 SR-2b
I recently downloaded MS Office 97 SR-2b from the net.
I then try to install this but it comes up with this message:
"The Microsoft 97 SR-2 patch cannot be applied to your computer. Either Office97 is not installed on this computer, or there are files from multiple versions of Office 97 on this computer. Try installing Office 97 or running the latest SR-1 patch to correct the problem. Or contact Microsoft Technical Support for further assistance"
I already have SR-1 and SR-2 installed on the machine.
Why is it coming up with this error message.
I then try to install this but it comes up with this message:
"The Microsoft 97 SR-2 patch cannot be applied to your computer. Either Office97 is not installed on this computer, or there are files from multiple versions of Office 97 on this computer. Try installing Office 97 or running the latest SR-1 patch to correct the problem. Or contact Microsoft Technical Support for further assistance"
I already have SR-1 and SR-2 installed on the machine.
Why is it coming up with this error message.
I warned you, didn't I ? Interested in the WOW#4.44 now ?
ASKER
what is WOW#4.44
You can not install SR-2b on a SR-2 patch, at least according to WOW#4.44. You will have to download the various patches (Y2K, 'JetEngine', various security) separately.
See your previous question
Lamc,
This information is from copied from the following web page (which I directed you to in my previous answer:
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/Articles/sr2fact.htm
IMPORTANT: If you have previously installed Office 97 SR-2, you should only install the following two Year 2000 updates for Outlook and Microsoft Jet 3.5:
The Outlook update is explained and available for download in the Knowledge Base article OL97: Year 2000 Dates Are Imported and Exported Incorrectly.
The Microsoft Jet 3.5 Service Pack 2 can be obtained via the Knowledge Base article Updated Version of Microsoft Jet 3.5 Available on MSL.
Ture Magnusson
Karlstad, Sweden
This information is from copied from the following web page (which I directed you to in my previous answer:
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/Articles/sr2fact.htm
IMPORTANT: If you have previously installed Office 97 SR-2, you should only install the following two Year 2000 updates for Outlook and Microsoft Jet 3.5:
The Outlook update is explained and available for download in the Knowledge Base article OL97: Year 2000 Dates Are Imported and Exported Incorrectly.
The Microsoft Jet 3.5 Service Pack 2 can be obtained via the Knowledge Base article Updated Version of Microsoft Jet 3.5 Available on MSL.
Ture Magnusson
Karlstad, Sweden
As the WOW archives lag a bit I will copy and paste it here. It is very long, but it can not be helped.
Because of the copyright I have to include all of it, but it is a special issue anyway. The only editing was to remove my e-mail and delete some empty lines to compact it a little bit.
Although I try to circumvent the 'URL to Link' bug in E-E I can not guarantee that all will work.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
--==>> WOW -- WOODY's OFFICE WATCH <<==--
(your own Microsoft Word & Office guru every week!)
22 October 1999 Vol 4 No 44
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IN THIS ISSUE:
We've managed to uncover the truth behind Microsoft's
latest update for Office 97 - and it ain't pretty. Yet
again Office 97 users are presented with a confusing and
unclear process - far from the ease of use Microsoft claims
to work for.
As in the past, WOW has a guide to Service Release
2b. All you need to know, from how to identify your version
of Office 97 through to the exact steps for upgrading
depending on what you have already.
JOIN WOW, hear the latest Office news FREE and FIRST. Send
blank email mailto:wow@wopr.com or
http://www.woodyswatch.com/wow/ . And don't forget our free
ACCESS database newsletter http//www.woodyswatch.com/waw/
or mailto:waw@woodyswatch.com
1. OFFICE 97 SR-2b - the latest news
2. SR-2b REVEALED
What's new in SR-2b?
What do I need to install SR-2b?
Will there be a revised 'full install' CD?
Is the patch available now the same as last week?
Will SR-2b and other patches work for all Office 97 setups?
Can you tell me about the original SR-2?
Much of what you're saying isn't on the Microsoft web site.
3. HOW CAN I TELL WHICH VERSION OF OFFICE 97 I HAVE?
Can I use the Office 97 Version Checker?
4. HOW TO IDENTIFY SR-2B
5. SR-2b - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
I have Office 97 (original release)
I have Office 97 SR-1
I have Office 97 SR-2 (made before the 'b' patch came out)
6. SR-2b IS NOT ENOUGH
7. WHY BOTHER?
8. YOUR SERVICE RELEASE QUESTIONS
9. MICROSOFT's Y2K CD
10. EXCEL 97 SYLK PATCH - Office 97 & 2000
11. MORE NEWS NEXT TIME
12. EVERYONE CAN GET WOODY'S EZINES
13. WOW DOES Y2K
14. BOOK PRIZES FROM MACMILLANS
* BACK ISSUES
* WOODY's CONTACTS in North America or Australia
* ADMINISTRIVIA, subscribing, unsubscribing etc
Before we dive into the murky world of Office 97 Service
Releases a few notes:
1) No, you're not stupid. Yes, it is confusing.
2) Why confusing? Microsoft made it that way.
3) Why make it that way? There are various theories but
whichever you choose, Office 97 customers are left with
a large burden that Microsoft could have relieved if
they had chosen to do so.
1. OFFICE 97 SR-2B - THE LATEST NEWS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Much has happened since the last issue of WOW with regards
to the Office 97 Service Release 2b - SR-2b. When we last
wrote, the latest Service Release had been withdrawn,
mainly because of a hugely misleading and hastily created
web site.
The original web site for the new patch 'SR-2b' was the
same as for the earlier SR-2a - the company had merely
changed all references from 'a' to 'b' with apparently no
effort to ensure that the pages where still relevant in the
new circumstances. And a cursory reading by anyone
familiar with the Service Releases would have revealed many
problems.
Microsoft has acknowledged that the way SR-2b was made
available and the web site where 'unfortunate' - which is
the closest you'll see Microsoft come to an apology.
Indeed 'unfortunate' is Microsoft's word of the week - it
was regularly repeated to us as the troubles of SR-2b
unfolded.
SR-2b is a misguided and poorly managed attempt to combine
the existing SR-2 patch with some Y2K patches. Microsoft
wanted to release a Y2K update CD that had a 'one click'
update to Office 97. ('One click' is PR speak for a single
patch) What they produced instead was a continuation of
the Office 97 Service Release debacle that, despite claims
to the contrary, does not meet the 'one click' criteria for
real world customers. Only in the idealistic fantasies of
Microsoft managers is it a simple and easy solution. Far
from a single click - the Sr-2b patch makes things more
difficult for Office 97 customers - not easier.
In case anyone is left at Microsoft who thinks this is an
isolated case, in the same week that SR-2b reappeared the
company released another Excel 97 patch which had to be
fixed when the installation process proved to be faulty.
The SR-2b patch has been released with a proper
accompanying web site at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/downloadDetails/sr2off97detail.htm
with the file called sr2bof97.exe (23MB) - this is the same
patch as was available last week but now it's called SR-2b
at least on the download page. Alas Microsoft has chosen
not to make it easy for customers to tell what is installed
on their computer.
The Version Checker utility that is supposed to help
customers identify which version of Office 97 they have
will not be updated to allow for SR-2b, the Help | About
screens remain the same and the VBA properties that are
designed to identify the software version are also
unchanged.
This issue of WOW is mainly devoted to explaining the
tangled web that Microsoft has weaved for Office 97 users.
If you think it's confusing - join the club. It's bad
enough for individuals, spare a thought for managers in
large companies who are trying to keep a track of hundreds
or thousands of computers.
Many regular WOW readers will get a horrible sense of deja vu
reading this issue - that's because many of the SR-2b
problems are continuations or repeats of earlier Office 97
update problems.
Office 2000 users may think they've escaped this nightmare
by upgrading - think again. The same people responsible
for this mess are responsible for Office 2000 updates. Be
afraid, be very afraid.
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2. SR-2b REVEALED ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's new in SR-2b?
The only difference between the SR-2b patch and the earlier
SR-2 patches (SR-2 and SR-2a) is the inclusion of some Y2K
patches:
The Outlook update is explained and available for download
in the Knowledge Base article OL97: Year 2000 Dates Are
Imported and Exported Incorrectly.
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q197/2/37.asp
The Microsoft Jet 3.5 Service Pack 2 can be obtained via
the Knowledge Base article Updated Version of Microsoft Jet
3.5 Available on MSL
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q172/7/33.asp
Other updates that have been released by Microsoft after
Service Release 2 was originally created have NOT been
included in the SR2b. Despite downloading this latest
monster 23MB update from Microsoft you do not have all the
updates. Later in this issue we explain how to be properly
up to date.
What do I need to install SR-2b?
If you already have the SR-2 version of Office 97 on your
computer then you can't use the new SR-2b patch. This
update can't tell between the different SR-2 incarnations
and will falsely tell you that SR-2 is already installed -
which isn't strictly true and no guide is given to the
proper Y2K update.
The alternative for SR-2 users is to apply the separate
patches as follows:
Outlook 97 http://download.microsoft.com/download/outlook97/patch/1/win98/EN-US/O97dtfix.exe
or
Outlook 98 http://download.microsoft.com/download/outlook98/patch/1/win98/EN-US/o98dtfix.exe
ODBC / Jet http://download.microsoft.com/download/office97pro/sp/1/win98/EN-US/Jet35sp3.exe
The combination of the old SR-2 plus the above patches will
bring you to the equivalent of SR-2b
Will there be a revised 'full install' CD?
We can't get a straight answer from Microsoft on this, but
it's unlikely that a complete CD with all the post SR-2
fixes integrated into a single install CD will be released.
Is the SR-2b patch available now the same as the one I got last week?
We're not sure at this time but it appears that if you
downloaded the SR-2b patch when it first appeared on the
Microsoft web site, you have the same file that is now
available.
Will SR-2b and other patches work for all Office 97 setups?
The SR-2b patch is supposed to work for Office 97 in all
its various permutations including the various stand-alone
programs (Word 97, Excel 97 etc), Professional, Small
Business Edition and any other marketing bundles that
include any Office 97 component.
At this stage the SR-2b patch is for English language
versions only (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand etc).
Microsoft says that similar patches for other languages
will become available however no timeline is given and
based on past experience it may be several months before
the worldwide roll-out is complete.
Can you tell me about the original SR-2?
WOW has kept a close eye on the Office 97 updates - you can
see a summary of Service Release 2 and how to get it from
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
There were two previous SR-2 patches. The original was
withdrawn after the company belatedly acknowledged that it
could not always detect an existing Office 97 on the
computer. In Microsoft speak it "was not meeting our
minimum requirements for successful installs" which really
means that the installation didn't work.
The SR-2a patch came out later with the same fixes and
files as the original patch - but with a properly working
installation procedure.
Much of what you're saying isn't on the Microsoft web site.
The Microsoft web site is not driven by a desire to ensure
that customers can see a clear and full path for updates.
In an effort to make things 'easy' it ignores vital
details. Much of what is on the site is incomplete or
unclear. However all the information in WOW on this topic
has been verified by Microsoft itself after an extended
questioning by us.
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3. HOW CAN I TELL WHICH VERSION OF OFFICE 97 I HAVE? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Help menu, choose About screen in any of the main
Office 97 programs - Word 97 is a good choice:
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97'
- you have the original Office 97
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97 SR-1'
- you have Office 97 with Service Release 1 - SR-1
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97 SR-2'
- you have Office 97 with Service Release 2. But you
have no way to tell from this screen _which_ SR-2.
The other important detail is whether you have a retail
version of Office 97 or the OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) version. Both are the same programs but the
way you get some updates and support is different for OEM
versions. OEM versions are supplied with computers from
makers like Dell, Gateway, Compaq etc. Most people know
how they bought their copy of Office - if you're unsure
look in the Help | About screen for the Office serial
number. That number will have the letters OEM in it.
Can I use the Office 97 Version Checker?
No, the Version Checker has not been updated to tell the
difference between SR-2b and predecessors. Nor can it
advise if you have a retail or OEM version.
This renders the tool virtually useless and misleading -
don't bother downloading it.
4. HOW TO IDENTIFY SR-2B ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You would think that working out if you have SR-2b would be
easy - but Microsoft decided to obscure the issue. Nowhere
on the updated Office 97 will you find the magic words 'SR-2b'.
To find out if you have SR-2b as opposed to the older SR-2
you have to find certain files on your computer and check
their properties. To do that use the Find option on the
Start menu to locate one of the files listed below. Right
mouse click on one of the files and choose Properties and
the Version tab.
FILE SR-2B VERSION
msexcl35.dll 3.51.2723.3
msjet35.dll 3.51.2723.0
msrepl35.dll 3.51.2404.0
rm.dll 1.0.0.104
transmgr.dll 1.0.0.100
5. SR-2b - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The update path for Office 97 users is unclear to most
people, especially since the SR-2b patch will not work on
existing SR-2 installations. Even Microsoft recommended
updating to SR-2 and now having SR-2 excludes many of their
key customers from the core of their beloved 'one click'
policy.
First you have to know which version of Office 97 you
already have and whether you have a retail or OEM version -
see 'How can I tell which version of Office 97 I have?'
above for help. Once you know what you already have, you
can use this guide to updating Office - note the singular
lack of 'one click' options notwithstanding Microsoft's
policy.
I have Office 97 (original release)
Retail customers should get the SR-2 full release CD from
Microsoft. This is a complete fresh CD with all the SR-1
and SR-2 fixes integrated into it for reinstallation.
We've long recommended getting this CD as a better option
than a series of large and incomplete patches. For details
see our SR-2 coverage at
http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
OEM customers can't get the SR-2 full CD because Microsoft
and it's OEM partners will not make it available. Your
only option is to download the incomplete SR-1 patch from
the Microsoft web site then the SR-2b patch.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
I have Office 97 SR-1
Retail customers should get the SR-2 full release CD from
Microsoft. This is a complete fresh CD with all the SR-1
and SR-2 fixes integrated into it for reinstallation.
We've long recommended getting this CD as a better option
than a series of large and incomplete patches. For details
see our SR-2 coverage at
http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
OEM customers can't get the SR-2 full CD because Microsoft
and it's OEM partners will not make it available. Your
only option is to download the SR-2b patch.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
I have Office 97 SR-2 (made before the 'b' patch came out)
All users should download the two separate Y2K patches as
listed above, this will add the new updates from the SR-2b
release to an old SR-2 installation.
Note that existing SR-2 users CANNOT run the 'SR-2b' patch
- it will detect the presence of SR-2 on your computer and
despite the fact that it is an older version of the Service
Release, it will refuse to install.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go, see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
If you reinstall Office 97 in the future you'll have to go
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6. SR-2b IS NOT ENOUGH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a break with their normal policy, this latest broad
update does not incorporate various security and other
patches that have come out since the original SR-2 patch.
So despite Microsoft's stated wish to have a 'one click'
update path - it is nothing of the sort.
After you have installed SR-2b (either by applying the
whole patch or the two Y2K patches) you're not done in
bringing Office 97 up to date. You need to download and
apply the following 3 patches:
The Word 97 Template Security Patch
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/downloadDetails/wd97sp.htm
And the Forms 2.0 Control Security Patch
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/downloadDetails/fm2paste.htm
plus the new Excel 97 SYLK patch that the Microsoft SR-2b
site doesn't yet mention:
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/downloadDetails/Xl8p7pkg.htm
See below for more details on this patch.
Note that you must reapply these patches after the SR-2b
patch - even if you have already installed them. SR-2b
overwrites some of the files updated in the patch and you
have to update all over again. So much for a 'one click'
solution.
7. WHY BOTHER ? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Despite the obstacles put in your path, it's worth getting
these updates. The time spent applying the mix of patches
is small compared with the time and frustration if you
strike a bug or security hole that has already been
repaired. Think of it as preventative medicine for a
program that most of use very regularly.
In addition, if you do need to call Tech Support (at
Microsoft or elsewhere) you'll strike an interesting
phenomenon. Unless it's a very simple problem, it is
likely that the support person will tell you to get a fully
up to date Office 97 installation before investigating
further. They'll often do this even if your problem isn't
directly related to a fix in one of the patches.
8. YOUR SERVICE RELEASE QUESTIONS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We've tried to answer the most common questions in our
SR-2b coverage, but it is such a messy business that your
particular situation many not be clear.
If you have any questions after reading this issue of WOW
mailto:ask.woody@woodyswat
as much detail as you can. While we could not possibly
answer individual messages (there are hundreds arriving
each week) - Woody and Peter will read them all and
endeavour to answer in a future issue of WOW.
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9. MICROSOFT's Y2K CD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft is selling a Y2K update CD details are at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/y2kcd.htm
We've not seen this CD yet but based on the events of the
last week for Office 97 users the CD is presumably already
out of date. Furthermore it doesn't comply with a 'one
click' approach put forward by Microsoft - at least not for
Office 97.
The CD may have some redeeming features and we'll look at
it closely for WOW's Y2K special issues in November. But
for the moment it's perhaps best to keep your money in your
pocket.
10. EXCEL 97 SYLK PATCH - Office 97 & 2000 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the last few days, Microsoft released another patch for
Excel 97 to fix some macro virus security problems. Though
it is called the Excel 97 SYLK File Security Update it's
actually two fixes.
The first is a security breach that allows a possible virus
to infect your system when importing a SYLK file. This
type of file can include macro code but did not trigger the
macro virus warning as it should. Details at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q241/9/02.asp
Secondly, when you import a Lotus 1-2-3 or Quattro Pro file
containing macros into Excel 97, the macros are executable!
The patch will make Excel 97 disable any macros when
importing those types of spreadsheets. This problem only
affects Office 97. Details at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q241/9/00.asp
OFFICE 97
This patch requires SR-2 to be installed however the
original release did not properly identify Office 97
already on the computer. Some SR-2 users could not install
the new patch because it wrongly reported that SR-2 was not
installed.
That problem is now fixed, according to Microsoft, if you
downloaded the original patch you should get it again.
Since the problem was only with the installation process
not the update itself you do NOT have to get the revised
patch if the original patch installed OK.
OFFICE 2000
For Office 2000 users you should get the SYLK patch from
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/2000/downloadDetails/XL9p1pkg.htm
11. MORE NEWS NEXT TIME ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's one very special thing about this issue - it's been
written in Italy! WOW's editor, Peter Deegan, has
interrupted his long planned holiday to write this guide to
SR-2b - thus missing out on the many delights of Florence
in the process.
Peter would like to thank those at Microsoft, our
advertisers and others who have gone above and beyond to
help put this issue together despite the communication and
timing difficulties involved. Big Grazie to his travel
companions Phil and Katharine, who were promised a
computer-free and Microsoft-free vacation - and didn't get
it. Peter is hoping for a quiet week in Venice <g>.
The complications of SR-2 have overwhelmed this issue. Our
regular columns will return in the next issue. Due to
Peter's shortened vacation WOW will skip a week and return
in early November.
Then we'll be able to fit in good news about upgrading
Photodraw 2000 v2, news on a scheme to buy Office 2000
Premium for US$99 (fact or scam?) plus more news and tips
on the never ending saga of SR-2 <sigh>. As a special
treat, our Devil's Advocate YODA will return from a long
slumber to explain why Microsoft can't update Office
easily.
12. EVERYONE CAN GET WOODY'S EZINES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You may have noticed in recent issues mentions of the new
plain text editions of both our popular ezines, Woody's
WINDOWS Watch and Woody's ACCESS Watch.
This is particularly important for AOL and Compuserve users
- because of the unique email systems used by both
companies you can't get the fully formatted editions we've
offered to other readers. The same applies to some
corporate mail systems that can't cope with the more modern
forms of email and limited email systems like Juno that
restrict the size of incoming messages.
The plain text editions mean that no one is left out of the
information, tips and hints that Woody, Barry and the rest
of the Woody's Watch team provide FREE. You can leave or
switch to the other edition at any time - as always the
choice is yours and you have control over your
subscription. Here's how to join:
Woody's WINDOWS Watch.
PLAIN TEXT edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2wwwtxt.cgi?e=..... put your email address
(or mailto:wwwtext@woodyswatch
HTML edition:
http://mcc.com.au/www/wow2www.cgi?email=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:www@woodyswatch.com
Woody's ACCESS Watch
PLAIN TEXT edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2wawtxt.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:wawtext@woodyswatch
HTML edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2waw.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:waw@woodyswatch.com
WHICH DO I CHOOSE?
The HTML version is a lot easier to read and includes all
the supporting images and tables. The vast majority of our
readers can accept the HTML version and we suggest you try
it for starters.
The plain text version will suit some AOL, Compuserve, Juno
and Lotus Notes users plus anyone with incompatible
corporate mail systems. Some people with dial up Internet
connections who do not wish to change their cache settings
may also prefer the plain text edition.
You can switch to the plain text version if necessary. The
simple instructions of how to do that are given in each
issue and in the WAW welcome message.
SWITCHING FROM HTML TO PLAIN TEXT
Existing subscribers can switch from HTML to plain text
version at any time using this link:
Woody's WINDOWS Watch
http://woodyswatch.com/wwwh2t.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
or mailto:wwwh2t@woodyswatch.
Woody's ACCESS Watch
http://woodyswatch.com/wawh2t.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
or mailto:wawh2t@woodyswatch.
A HTML VERSION OF WOW?
WOW started many years ago when HTML email was just a
glimmer in someone's eye. Now technology has progressed
we'll start a HTML version of WOW to run in concert with
the plain text edition - however that won't happen until
later in the year because of Peter's overseas travels.
If you have any questions or comments about the new dual
format for WAW and WWW write to us
mailto:help@woodyswatch.co
13. WOW DOES Y2K ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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==========================
W-O-O-D-Y-S--O-F-F-I-C-E--
Because of the copyright I have to include all of it, but it is a special issue anyway. The only editing was to remove my e-mail and delete some empty lines to compact it a little bit.
Although I try to circumvent the 'URL to Link' bug in E-E I can not guarantee that all will work.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
--==>> WOW -- WOODY's OFFICE WATCH <<==--
(your own Microsoft Word & Office guru every week!)
22 October 1999 Vol 4 No 44
A word from this week's sponsor ...
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IN THIS ISSUE:
We've managed to uncover the truth behind Microsoft's
latest update for Office 97 - and it ain't pretty. Yet
again Office 97 users are presented with a confusing and
unclear process - far from the ease of use Microsoft claims
to work for.
As in the past, WOW has a guide to Service Release
2b. All you need to know, from how to identify your version
of Office 97 through to the exact steps for upgrading
depending on what you have already.
JOIN WOW, hear the latest Office news FREE and FIRST. Send
blank email mailto:wow@wopr.com or
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or mailto:waw@woodyswatch.com
1. OFFICE 97 SR-2b - the latest news
2. SR-2b REVEALED
What's new in SR-2b?
What do I need to install SR-2b?
Will there be a revised 'full install' CD?
Is the patch available now the same as last week?
Will SR-2b and other patches work for all Office 97 setups?
Can you tell me about the original SR-2?
Much of what you're saying isn't on the Microsoft web site.
3. HOW CAN I TELL WHICH VERSION OF OFFICE 97 I HAVE?
Can I use the Office 97 Version Checker?
4. HOW TO IDENTIFY SR-2B
5. SR-2b - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
I have Office 97 (original release)
I have Office 97 SR-1
I have Office 97 SR-2 (made before the 'b' patch came out)
6. SR-2b IS NOT ENOUGH
7. WHY BOTHER?
8. YOUR SERVICE RELEASE QUESTIONS
9. MICROSOFT's Y2K CD
10. EXCEL 97 SYLK PATCH - Office 97 & 2000
11. MORE NEWS NEXT TIME
12. EVERYONE CAN GET WOODY'S EZINES
13. WOW DOES Y2K
14. BOOK PRIZES FROM MACMILLANS
* BACK ISSUES
* WOODY's CONTACTS in North America or Australia
* ADMINISTRIVIA, subscribing, unsubscribing etc
Before we dive into the murky world of Office 97 Service
Releases a few notes:
1) No, you're not stupid. Yes, it is confusing.
2) Why confusing? Microsoft made it that way.
3) Why make it that way? There are various theories but
whichever you choose, Office 97 customers are left with
a large burden that Microsoft could have relieved if
they had chosen to do so.
1. OFFICE 97 SR-2B - THE LATEST NEWS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Much has happened since the last issue of WOW with regards
to the Office 97 Service Release 2b - SR-2b. When we last
wrote, the latest Service Release had been withdrawn,
mainly because of a hugely misleading and hastily created
web site.
The original web site for the new patch 'SR-2b' was the
same as for the earlier SR-2a - the company had merely
changed all references from 'a' to 'b' with apparently no
effort to ensure that the pages where still relevant in the
new circumstances. And a cursory reading by anyone
familiar with the Service Releases would have revealed many
problems.
Microsoft has acknowledged that the way SR-2b was made
available and the web site where 'unfortunate' - which is
the closest you'll see Microsoft come to an apology.
Indeed 'unfortunate' is Microsoft's word of the week - it
was regularly repeated to us as the troubles of SR-2b
unfolded.
SR-2b is a misguided and poorly managed attempt to combine
the existing SR-2 patch with some Y2K patches. Microsoft
wanted to release a Y2K update CD that had a 'one click'
update to Office 97. ('One click' is PR speak for a single
patch) What they produced instead was a continuation of
the Office 97 Service Release debacle that, despite claims
to the contrary, does not meet the 'one click' criteria for
real world customers. Only in the idealistic fantasies of
Microsoft managers is it a simple and easy solution. Far
from a single click - the Sr-2b patch makes things more
difficult for Office 97 customers - not easier.
In case anyone is left at Microsoft who thinks this is an
isolated case, in the same week that SR-2b reappeared the
company released another Excel 97 patch which had to be
fixed when the installation process proved to be faulty.
The SR-2b patch has been released with a proper
accompanying web site at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/downloadDetails/sr2off97detail.htm
with the file called sr2bof97.exe (23MB) - this is the same
patch as was available last week but now it's called SR-2b
at least on the download page. Alas Microsoft has chosen
not to make it easy for customers to tell what is installed
on their computer.
The Version Checker utility that is supposed to help
customers identify which version of Office 97 they have
will not be updated to allow for SR-2b, the Help | About
screens remain the same and the VBA properties that are
designed to identify the software version are also
unchanged.
This issue of WOW is mainly devoted to explaining the
tangled web that Microsoft has weaved for Office 97 users.
If you think it's confusing - join the club. It's bad
enough for individuals, spare a thought for managers in
large companies who are trying to keep a track of hundreds
or thousands of computers.
Many regular WOW readers will get a horrible sense of deja vu
reading this issue - that's because many of the SR-2b
problems are continuations or repeats of earlier Office 97
update problems.
Office 2000 users may think they've escaped this nightmare
by upgrading - think again. The same people responsible
for this mess are responsible for Office 2000 updates. Be
afraid, be very afraid.
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2. SR-2b REVEALED ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's new in SR-2b?
The only difference between the SR-2b patch and the earlier
SR-2 patches (SR-2 and SR-2a) is the inclusion of some Y2K
patches:
The Outlook update is explained and available for download
in the Knowledge Base article OL97: Year 2000 Dates Are
Imported and Exported Incorrectly.
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q197/2/37.asp
The Microsoft Jet 3.5 Service Pack 2 can be obtained via
the Knowledge Base article Updated Version of Microsoft Jet
3.5 Available on MSL
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q172/7/33.asp
Other updates that have been released by Microsoft after
Service Release 2 was originally created have NOT been
included in the SR2b. Despite downloading this latest
monster 23MB update from Microsoft you do not have all the
updates. Later in this issue we explain how to be properly
up to date.
What do I need to install SR-2b?
If you already have the SR-2 version of Office 97 on your
computer then you can't use the new SR-2b patch. This
update can't tell between the different SR-2 incarnations
and will falsely tell you that SR-2 is already installed -
which isn't strictly true and no guide is given to the
proper Y2K update.
The alternative for SR-2 users is to apply the separate
patches as follows:
Outlook 97 http://download.microsoft.com/download/outlook97/patch/1/win98/EN-US/O97dtfix.exe
or
Outlook 98 http://download.microsoft.com/download/outlook98/patch/1/win98/EN-US/o98dtfix.exe
ODBC / Jet http://download.microsoft.com/download/office97pro/sp/1/win98/EN-US/Jet35sp3.exe
The combination of the old SR-2 plus the above patches will
bring you to the equivalent of SR-2b
Will there be a revised 'full install' CD?
We can't get a straight answer from Microsoft on this, but
it's unlikely that a complete CD with all the post SR-2
fixes integrated into a single install CD will be released.
Is the SR-2b patch available now the same as the one I got last week?
We're not sure at this time but it appears that if you
downloaded the SR-2b patch when it first appeared on the
Microsoft web site, you have the same file that is now
available.
Will SR-2b and other patches work for all Office 97 setups?
The SR-2b patch is supposed to work for Office 97 in all
its various permutations including the various stand-alone
programs (Word 97, Excel 97 etc), Professional, Small
Business Edition and any other marketing bundles that
include any Office 97 component.
At this stage the SR-2b patch is for English language
versions only (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand etc).
Microsoft says that similar patches for other languages
will become available however no timeline is given and
based on past experience it may be several months before
the worldwide roll-out is complete.
Can you tell me about the original SR-2?
WOW has kept a close eye on the Office 97 updates - you can
see a summary of Service Release 2 and how to get it from
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
There were two previous SR-2 patches. The original was
withdrawn after the company belatedly acknowledged that it
could not always detect an existing Office 97 on the
computer. In Microsoft speak it "was not meeting our
minimum requirements for successful installs" which really
means that the installation didn't work.
The SR-2a patch came out later with the same fixes and
files as the original patch - but with a properly working
installation procedure.
Much of what you're saying isn't on the Microsoft web site.
The Microsoft web site is not driven by a desire to ensure
that customers can see a clear and full path for updates.
In an effort to make things 'easy' it ignores vital
details. Much of what is on the site is incomplete or
unclear. However all the information in WOW on this topic
has been verified by Microsoft itself after an extended
questioning by us.
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3. HOW CAN I TELL WHICH VERSION OF OFFICE 97 I HAVE? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Help menu, choose About screen in any of the main
Office 97 programs - Word 97 is a good choice:
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97'
- you have the original Office 97
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97 SR-1'
- you have Office 97 with Service Release 1 - SR-1
If the About screen says just 'Microsoft Word 97 SR-2'
- you have Office 97 with Service Release 2. But you
have no way to tell from this screen _which_ SR-2.
The other important detail is whether you have a retail
version of Office 97 or the OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) version. Both are the same programs but the
way you get some updates and support is different for OEM
versions. OEM versions are supplied with computers from
makers like Dell, Gateway, Compaq etc. Most people know
how they bought their copy of Office - if you're unsure
look in the Help | About screen for the Office serial
number. That number will have the letters OEM in it.
Can I use the Office 97 Version Checker?
No, the Version Checker has not been updated to tell the
difference between SR-2b and predecessors. Nor can it
advise if you have a retail or OEM version.
This renders the tool virtually useless and misleading -
don't bother downloading it.
4. HOW TO IDENTIFY SR-2B ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You would think that working out if you have SR-2b would be
easy - but Microsoft decided to obscure the issue. Nowhere
on the updated Office 97 will you find the magic words 'SR-2b'.
To find out if you have SR-2b as opposed to the older SR-2
you have to find certain files on your computer and check
their properties. To do that use the Find option on the
Start menu to locate one of the files listed below. Right
mouse click on one of the files and choose Properties and
the Version tab.
FILE SR-2B VERSION
msexcl35.dll 3.51.2723.3
msjet35.dll 3.51.2723.0
msrepl35.dll 3.51.2404.0
rm.dll 1.0.0.104
transmgr.dll 1.0.0.100
5. SR-2b - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The update path for Office 97 users is unclear to most
people, especially since the SR-2b patch will not work on
existing SR-2 installations. Even Microsoft recommended
updating to SR-2 and now having SR-2 excludes many of their
key customers from the core of their beloved 'one click'
policy.
First you have to know which version of Office 97 you
already have and whether you have a retail or OEM version -
see 'How can I tell which version of Office 97 I have?'
above for help. Once you know what you already have, you
can use this guide to updating Office - note the singular
lack of 'one click' options notwithstanding Microsoft's
policy.
I have Office 97 (original release)
Retail customers should get the SR-2 full release CD from
Microsoft. This is a complete fresh CD with all the SR-1
and SR-2 fixes integrated into it for reinstallation.
We've long recommended getting this CD as a better option
than a series of large and incomplete patches. For details
see our SR-2 coverage at
http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
OEM customers can't get the SR-2 full CD because Microsoft
and it's OEM partners will not make it available. Your
only option is to download the incomplete SR-1 patch from
the Microsoft web site then the SR-2b patch.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
I have Office 97 SR-1
Retail customers should get the SR-2 full release CD from
Microsoft. This is a complete fresh CD with all the SR-1
and SR-2 fixes integrated into it for reinstallation.
We've long recommended getting this CD as a better option
than a series of large and incomplete patches. For details
see our SR-2 coverage at
http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/office_help/wow98/wow_sr/091998_01.html
OEM customers can't get the SR-2 full CD because Microsoft
and it's OEM partners will not make it available. Your
only option is to download the SR-2b patch.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
I have Office 97 SR-2 (made before the 'b' patch came out)
All users should download the two separate Y2K patches as
listed above, this will add the new updates from the SR-2b
release to an old SR-2 installation.
Note that existing SR-2 users CANNOT run the 'SR-2b' patch
- it will detect the presence of SR-2 on your computer and
despite the fact that it is an older version of the Service
Release, it will refuse to install.
This will get you as far as 'SR-2b' - but there's more
steps to go, see 'SR-2b is not enough' below.
If you reinstall Office 97 in the future you'll have to go
through all these step again plus those in the next
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6. SR-2b IS NOT ENOUGH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a break with their normal policy, this latest broad
update does not incorporate various security and other
patches that have come out since the original SR-2 patch.
So despite Microsoft's stated wish to have a 'one click'
update path - it is nothing of the sort.
After you have installed SR-2b (either by applying the
whole patch or the two Y2K patches) you're not done in
bringing Office 97 up to date. You need to download and
apply the following 3 patches:
The Word 97 Template Security Patch
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/downloadDetails/wd97sp.htm
And the Forms 2.0 Control Security Patch
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/downloadDetails/fm2paste.htm
plus the new Excel 97 SYLK patch that the Microsoft SR-2b
site doesn't yet mention:
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/downloadDetails/Xl8p7pkg.htm
See below for more details on this patch.
Note that you must reapply these patches after the SR-2b
patch - even if you have already installed them. SR-2b
overwrites some of the files updated in the patch and you
have to update all over again. So much for a 'one click'
solution.
7. WHY BOTHER ? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Despite the obstacles put in your path, it's worth getting
these updates. The time spent applying the mix of patches
is small compared with the time and frustration if you
strike a bug or security hole that has already been
repaired. Think of it as preventative medicine for a
program that most of use very regularly.
In addition, if you do need to call Tech Support (at
Microsoft or elsewhere) you'll strike an interesting
phenomenon. Unless it's a very simple problem, it is
likely that the support person will tell you to get a fully
up to date Office 97 installation before investigating
further. They'll often do this even if your problem isn't
directly related to a fix in one of the patches.
8. YOUR SERVICE RELEASE QUESTIONS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We've tried to answer the most common questions in our
SR-2b coverage, but it is such a messy business that your
particular situation many not be clear.
If you have any questions after reading this issue of WOW
mailto:ask.woody@woodyswat
as much detail as you can. While we could not possibly
answer individual messages (there are hundreds arriving
each week) - Woody and Peter will read them all and
endeavour to answer in a future issue of WOW.
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9. MICROSOFT's Y2K CD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Microsoft is selling a Y2K update CD details are at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/year2k/y2kcd.htm
We've not seen this CD yet but based on the events of the
last week for Office 97 users the CD is presumably already
out of date. Furthermore it doesn't comply with a 'one
click' approach put forward by Microsoft - at least not for
Office 97.
The CD may have some redeeming features and we'll look at
it closely for WOW's Y2K special issues in November. But
for the moment it's perhaps best to keep your money in your
pocket.
10. EXCEL 97 SYLK PATCH - Office 97 & 2000 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the last few days, Microsoft released another patch for
Excel 97 to fix some macro virus security problems. Though
it is called the Excel 97 SYLK File Security Update it's
actually two fixes.
The first is a security breach that allows a possible virus
to infect your system when importing a SYLK file. This
type of file can include macro code but did not trigger the
macro virus warning as it should. Details at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q241/9/02.asp
Secondly, when you import a Lotus 1-2-3 or Quattro Pro file
containing macros into Excel 97, the macros are executable!
The patch will make Excel 97 disable any macros when
importing those types of spreadsheets. This problem only
affects Office 97. Details at
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gosupport.asp?TARGET=/support/kb/articles/Q241/9/00.asp
OFFICE 97
This patch requires SR-2 to be installed however the
original release did not properly identify Office 97
already on the computer. Some SR-2 users could not install
the new patch because it wrongly reported that SR-2 was not
installed.
That problem is now fixed, according to Microsoft, if you
downloaded the original patch you should get it again.
Since the problem was only with the installation process
not the update itself you do NOT have to get the revised
patch if the original patch installed OK.
OFFICE 2000
For Office 2000 users you should get the SYLK patch from
http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/isapi/gooffupd.asp?TARGET=/2000/downloadDetails/XL9p1pkg.htm
11. MORE NEWS NEXT TIME ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's one very special thing about this issue - it's been
written in Italy! WOW's editor, Peter Deegan, has
interrupted his long planned holiday to write this guide to
SR-2b - thus missing out on the many delights of Florence
in the process.
Peter would like to thank those at Microsoft, our
advertisers and others who have gone above and beyond to
help put this issue together despite the communication and
timing difficulties involved. Big Grazie to his travel
companions Phil and Katharine, who were promised a
computer-free and Microsoft-free vacation - and didn't get
it. Peter is hoping for a quiet week in Venice <g>.
The complications of SR-2 have overwhelmed this issue. Our
regular columns will return in the next issue. Due to
Peter's shortened vacation WOW will skip a week and return
in early November.
Then we'll be able to fit in good news about upgrading
Photodraw 2000 v2, news on a scheme to buy Office 2000
Premium for US$99 (fact or scam?) plus more news and tips
on the never ending saga of SR-2 <sigh>. As a special
treat, our Devil's Advocate YODA will return from a long
slumber to explain why Microsoft can't update Office
easily.
12. EVERYONE CAN GET WOODY'S EZINES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You may have noticed in recent issues mentions of the new
plain text editions of both our popular ezines, Woody's
WINDOWS Watch and Woody's ACCESS Watch.
This is particularly important for AOL and Compuserve users
- because of the unique email systems used by both
companies you can't get the fully formatted editions we've
offered to other readers. The same applies to some
corporate mail systems that can't cope with the more modern
forms of email and limited email systems like Juno that
restrict the size of incoming messages.
The plain text editions mean that no one is left out of the
information, tips and hints that Woody, Barry and the rest
of the Woody's Watch team provide FREE. You can leave or
switch to the other edition at any time - as always the
choice is yours and you have control over your
subscription. Here's how to join:
Woody's WINDOWS Watch.
PLAIN TEXT edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2wwwtxt.cgi?e=..... put your email address
(or mailto:wwwtext@woodyswatch
HTML edition:
http://mcc.com.au/www/wow2www.cgi?email=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:www@woodyswatch.com
Woody's ACCESS Watch
PLAIN TEXT edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2wawtxt.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:wawtext@woodyswatch
HTML edition:
http://woodyswatch.com/2waw.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
(or mailto:waw@woodyswatch.com
WHICH DO I CHOOSE?
The HTML version is a lot easier to read and includes all
the supporting images and tables. The vast majority of our
readers can accept the HTML version and we suggest you try
it for starters.
The plain text version will suit some AOL, Compuserve, Juno
and Lotus Notes users plus anyone with incompatible
corporate mail systems. Some people with dial up Internet
connections who do not wish to change their cache settings
may also prefer the plain text edition.
You can switch to the plain text version if necessary. The
simple instructions of how to do that are given in each
issue and in the WAW welcome message.
SWITCHING FROM HTML TO PLAIN TEXT
Existing subscribers can switch from HTML to plain text
version at any time using this link:
Woody's WINDOWS Watch
http://woodyswatch.com/wwwh2t.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
or mailto:wwwh2t@woodyswatch.
Woody's ACCESS Watch
http://woodyswatch.com/wawh2t.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
or mailto:wawh2t@woodyswatch.
A HTML VERSION OF WOW?
WOW started many years ago when HTML email was just a
glimmer in someone's eye. Now technology has progressed
we'll start a HTML version of WOW to run in concert with
the plain text edition - however that won't happen until
later in the year because of Peter's overseas travels.
If you have any questions or comments about the new dual
format for WAW and WWW write to us
mailto:help@woodyswatch.co
13. WOW DOES Y2K ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for all the great tips and questions on Y2K matters
- they'll all go into the melting pot for our upcoming Y2K
issues. If you have any Y2K questions or tips let us know
y2k@woodyswatch.com .
There are still some advertising opportunities left in the
Y2K issues. Ask us for details
mailto:ads@woodyswatch.com
The support of our advertisers lets us continue to provide
WOW to everyone as a free service.
14. BOOK PRIZES FROM MACMILLANS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each issue of WOW we choose a reader at random to receive a
great computer book from Macmillan Publishing
http://www.mcp.com/ .
Prizes include copies of Special Edition Using Windows 98
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0789714884/woodsoffiwatcwoo
among many great titles.
MORE CHANCES TO WIN
We'll also be giving a Macmillan book prize away with each
issue of Woody's Windows Watch - WWW and Woody's ACCESS
Watch - WAW. So increase your chances of winning by making
sure you join our sister publications too.
Most WOW readers get all our ezines -- they're free, of
course. You can join WWW at the same address you get WOW
just by clicking this link
http://mcc.com.au/www/wow2www.cgi?email=.... put your e-mail address
For Woody's ACCESS Watch click here
http://woodyswatch.com/2waw.cgi?e=.... put your e-mail address
These weekly prize draws are just another way to thank you
for your help and support for Woody's Watch publications.
Details on the draw and protections to your privacy at
http://www.woodyswatch.com/win.htm
BACK ISSUES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you miss the first issues of WOW? Drop by
http://www.woodyswatch.com/archive/wow/ where back issues
are stored. You can also download self-extracting archives
of back issues and search the WOW issues online.
WOODY's CONTACTS in North America or Australia ~~~~~~
WOODY products are available from authorized outlets:
North America:
Advanced Support Group,
11900 Grant Place, Des Peres, Missouri 63131
Ph:(314)965-5630 Fax:(314)966-1833
mailto:km@imktg.com
Australia, New Zealand, Asia:
My Computer Company
1 Allen St (PO Box 114)
Glebe NSW 2037 Australia
Ph: (02) 9692-9322 mailto:sales@mcc.com.au
Fax: (02) 9692-9485 http://mcc.com.au/
All Woody's books and software are available from his
Aussie outlet.
Sales of Woody's books and software help support the
considerable costs of writing and distributing WOW as a
free bulletin each week. Help keep WOW alive and free by
buying Woody's products.
ADMINISTRIVIA, subscribing, unsubscribing etc
This copy of WOW was originally sent to:.....
Join, Leave or change address from our Web site
http://www.woodyswatch.com/wow/
Email:
Subscribe: wow@wopr.com Unsubscribe: LeaveWOW@woodyswatch.com
Note: replying to any issue of WOW to unsubscribe or
comment will NOT work and your message will not be read by
a human. Use the appropriate address or web page above
instead.
Back issues : http://www.wopr.com/wow/wowarch.shtml and
also at the Zdnet Help Channel
http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/hud0007500a/www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/filters/office/wow/
In Association with
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodsoffiwatcwoo
Amazon.co.UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodsoffiwatcw08
Amazon, Germany:
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/redirect-home/woodyswatch
WOW reader comments: to the appropriate columnist or
mailto:wow-feedback@woodys
ADVERTISING:
Reach Office and Windows users throughout the world at very
reasonable rates ... http://www.mcc.com.au/wow/ad.htm
mailto:ads@woodyswatch.com
WOODY's WINDOWS WATCH
is our companion FREE newsletter that gives you all the
skinny on Windows. To join at the same address as you use
for WOW
http://mcc.com.au/www/wow2www.cgi?email=.... put your e-mail address
Visit our web site http://www.woodyswatch.com/www/ or
mailto:www@woodyswatch.com
PRIZES:
A subscriber is chosen at random from each issue of WOW and
WWW to win a FREE copy of a computer book from Macmillan
publishers http://www.mcp.com/ . All subscribers worldwide
are entered into each draw simply by subscribing all
Woody's Watch publications.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WOODY's OFFICE WATCH - Copyright 1999, ISSN 1328-1674
Pinecliffe International and Peter Deegan. All rights reserved.
REDISTRIBUTION is allowed only with permission. You may
circulate copies of WOW by _manually_ forwarding it,
providing (1) you forward the issue in its entirety, (2) no
fee is involved, and (3) you forward no more than three
issues to any one individual.
After that, please encourage your correspondents to send
e-mail to wow@wopr.com to get their own *free*
subscription.
Everyone is welcome! Tell your friends about WOW!
==========================
W-O-O-D-Y-S--O-F-F-I-C-E--
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