meta data for this page
  •  

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
en:staff:office97dateien [20.05.2026 12:48] – kac40082en:staff:office97dateien [15.07.2026 13:04] (current) – kac40082
Line 3: Line 3:
 **Overview** **Overview**
  
-As part of the continuous development of IT services, the IT Center is discontinuing support for legacy Microsoft Office file formats from the 1990s. The affected formats are:+As part of the continuous development of IT services, the IT Center is discontinuing support for legacy Microsoft Office file formats dating back to the 1990s. The following formats are affected: 
   * Word: .doc   * Word: .doc
   * Excel: .xls   * Excel: .xls
   * PowerPoint: .ppt   * PowerPoint: .ppt
-These formats will gradually be completely replaced by the modern XML-based Office formats:+ 
 +These formats will gradually be fully replaced by the modern XML-based Office formats: 
   * .docx   * .docx
   * .xlsx   * .xlsx
   * .pptx   * .pptx
 +
 The goal of this transition is to sustainably improve the security, stability, compatibility, and future viability of IT services. The goal of this transition is to sustainably improve the security, stability, compatibility, and future viability of IT services.
  
-Reasons for the transition +========= Quick Guide: Conversion Using the Script =========
-The discontinuation of the old file formats is based on several factors: +
-  * Security: Older formats only provide limited support for modern security mechanisms and pose an increased risk of malware. +
-  * Compatibility: Newer Office versions and other applications only support legacy formats to a limited extent. +
-  * Stability & Performance: Modern formats are more robust, less error-prone, and better suited for large or complex content. +
-  * Long-term support: Microsoft and other vendors are only continuing development for current formats.+
  
-What does this mean for users? +<note warning> 
-  * Documents in the legacy formats .doc, .xls, .ppt will no longer be supported in the future. +Note: A compact step-by-step guide for the quick conversion of multiple files can be found in the following section.
-  * New documents must be created and saved exclusively in the formats .docx, .xlsx, .pptx. +
-  * Existing files in legacy formats should be gradually converted to the new formats.+
  
-Important note +A detailed and comprehensive description of the procedure can be found in the section [[#powershell-skript|Powershell Script]] 
-Conversion must not be performed by simply renaming the file extension   +</note>
-(e.g., from .ppt to .pptx).   +
-Correct conversion is only possible via “Open” and “Save As” in Microsoft Office or by using the provided script.+
  
-====== 1. Identify legacy Office files ======+Download and extract the script:
  
-To identify legacy Office 97 files, the Windows File Explorer can be used.   +[[https://filegw.hs-regensburg.de/webdav/Software/AustauschSoftware/supportwiki/Umwandlung_alte_Office_Formate/Skript_Konvertierung/Office97_Tools.zip|Office_Scanner_und_Konvertierung]] 
-Recommended procedure:+ 
 +<note important>A browser download is only possible after logging in with your account in the format abc12345@hs-regensburg.de and the associated password. If you experience problems downloading the file, we recommend using a different browser or a private/incognito browser window.</note> 
 + 
 +Open the script using PowerShell 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:mit_powershell_ausfuehren.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +(Note: If the script closes immediately after being launched, please open PowerShell manually as described in the detailed guide and execute the script from there.) 
 + 
 +Specify the desired RootPath (Desktop in this example) 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:skript_ausfuehren_.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +<code> 
 +.\Office97_Scanner.ps1 -rootPath "C:\Users\abc12345\Desktop\" 
 +</code> 
 + 
 +(Note: Running the script on network drives is generally possible. However, the conversion should be performed separately for each drive and carried out gradually depending on the number of files.) 
 + 
 +After the scan, start the conversion by entering **j + Enter** 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:eingabebestaetigung.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +Afterwards, verify that the conversion was completed successfully. 
 + 
 +This can be checked using the PowerShell output and the log files located in the script directory. 
 + 
 +The original files are stored in the **Backup_Originale** folder. 
 + 
 +Files that cannot be converted remain unchanged. 
 + 
 +===== Reasons for the Migration ===== 
 + 
 +The discontinuation of legacy file formats is based on several factors: 
 + 
 +  * Security: Legacy formats provide only limited support for modern security mechanisms and pose an increased risk of malicious code. 
 +  * Compatibility: New Office versions and other applications only offer limited support for these legacy formats. 
 +  * Stability & Performance: Modern formats are more robust, less error-prone, and better suited for large or complex content. 
 +  * Long-Term Support: Microsoft and other software vendors continue to develop their products exclusively for the current file formats. 
 + 
 +===== What Does This Mean for Users? ===== 
 + 
 +  * Documents in the legacy formats .doc, .xls, and .ppt will no longer be supported in the future. 
 +  * New documents must only be created and saved in the formats .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. 
 +  * Existing files in legacy formats should be gradually migrated to the new formats. 
 + 
 +<note important> 
 +The conversion must not be performed simply by renaming the file extension 
 +(for example, changing .ppt to .pptx). 
 + 
 +A proper conversion is only possible by using “Open” and “Save As” in Microsoft Office or by using the provided script. 
 +</note> 
 + 
 +====== Finding Legacy Office Files ====== 
 + 
 +First determine: **How many** files, **which** formats, and **where** they are located. 
 + 
 +There are several options: 
 + 
 +  * **PowerShell Script** (`Office97-Scanner.ps1`) – creates a CSV file containing the file path, actual internal format, file size, and last modification date. Does not require Office and therefore works even when Intune/File Block restrictions are in place. 
 +  * **Windows Explorer** with grouping by file type (not quite as reliable for finding all files) 
 + 
 +<note important> Only scan **user data** (Documents, Downloads, Desktop, network drives/shares, ...). 
 + 
 +System and application folders (`C:\Windows`, `Program Files`, `ProgramData`, `AppData`) must be excluded, as they contain application-managed files that must not be modified. </note> 
 + 
 +Depending on the number of files found, different conversion approaches may be appropriate. 
 + 
 +===== Powershell Script ===== 
 + 
 +A search path can be passed to this script. The specified path is searched __recursively__ and all results are stored in a CSV file. 
 + 
 +This script can be executed on all devices and is intended to provide an initial overview of affected files. No files are converted during this step. 
 + 
 +  * The script can be executed on any Windows PC or laptop 
 +  * No administrative rights are required 
 +  * Can also be used by professors and staff members 
 + 
 +The script can be downloaded here: 
 + 
 +[[https://filegw.hs-regensburg.de/webdav/Software/AustauschSoftware/supportwiki/Umwandlung_alte_Office_Formate/Skript_Konvertierung/Office97_Tools.zip|Office_Scanner_und_Konvertierung]] 
 + 
 +<note important>A browser download is only possible after logging in with your account in the format abc12345@hs-regensburg.de and the associated password. If you experience problems downloading the file, we recommend using a different browser or a private/incognito browser window.</note> 
 + 
 +==== Step 1.1: Download the Script ==== 
 + 
 +Extract the file and copy it, for example, into a (temporary) folder on your desktop: 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_01_scan.png?400|}} 
 + 
 +When executed, the script creates a CSV file in the same directory where the script is located. 
 + 
 +==== Step 1.2: Run the Script ==== 
 + 
 +  * Open PowerShell and change to the directory containing the script (or execute it directly from the folder using the context menu option //Run with PowerShell//). 
 +  * Run the script in PowerShell using any desired search path (e.g. "C:\Users\abc12345\") 
 + 
 +<code> 
 +.\Office97_Scanner.ps1 -rootPath "C:\Users\abc12345\Documents\" 
 +</code> 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_02_scan.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +  * A first summary of the files identified is displayed directly in PowerShell: 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_03_scan.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +==== Step 1.3: View the Report ==== 
 + 
 +Open the generated CSV file. 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_04_scan.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +The report provides an overview of how many legacy files were found within the selected search path, where they are located, which internal format they use, and when they were last modified. 
 + 
 +After reviewing the results, the files should either be converted, archived, or deleted. 
 + 
 +If you do not wish to use the script, the files can also be located using File Explorer.
  
 Open the desired folder in File Explorer. Open the desired folder in File Explorer.
Line 39: Line 151:
 {{:public:sonstiges:gruppieren_datei_nach_typ.png?400|}} {{:public:sonstiges:gruppieren_datei_nach_typ.png?400|}}
  
-Switch to “Sort”.   +In the folder, select “Sort”. 
-Sort or group files by the “Type” column.+ 
 +Sort or group the files by the “Type” column.
  
 Legacy Office files will then be clearly displayed, for example as: Legacy Office files will then be clearly displayed, for example as:
  
-Microsoft Word 97–2003 Document (.doc)   +Microsoft Word 97–2003 Document (.doc) 
-Microsoft Excel 97–2003 Worksheet (.xls)  +Microsoft Excel 97–2003 Worksheet (.xls)
 Microsoft PowerPoint 97–2003 Presentation (.ppt) Microsoft PowerPoint 97–2003 Presentation (.ppt)
  
-This allows reliable distinction from modern formats.+This makes it possible to reliably distinguish them from modern file formats.
  
 {{:public:sonstiges:uebersicht_datei_files_sortiert.png?400|}} {{:public:sonstiges:uebersicht_datei_files_sortiert.png?400|}}
  
-====== 2. Convert individual files manually ======+====== Manually Converting Individual Files ====== 
 Procedure in Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint Procedure in Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint
  
Line 65: Line 179:
 {{:public:sonstiges:speichern_unter.png?400|}} {{:public:sonstiges:speichern_unter.png?400|}}
  
-3. Select the file type:+3. Select the appropriate file type: 
   * Word Document (*.docx)   * Word Document (*.docx)
   * Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)   * Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)
   * PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)   * PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:dateiformat_waehlen.png?400|}}+{{:public:sonstiges:dateiformat_waehlen.png?800|}}
  
 4. Save the file. 4. Save the file.
  
-5. Briefly check the document for correct display and functionality. If everything works correctly, the file in the old format can be deleted.+5. Briefly verify that the document is displayed correctly and functions as expected. If everything works properly, the file in the legacy format can be deleted.
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:pruefen_der_datei.png?400|}}+{{:public:sonstiges:pruefen_der_datei.png?800|}}
  
-Recommended for: Individual or rarely used documents+Recommended for: Individual or infrequently used documents====== Converting Multiple Files at Once (Including Subdirectories) ======
  
-====== 3. Convert multiple files in batch (script-based) ====== +If several files need to be converted at once, especially when they are distributed across many folders and subfolders, it is recommended to use the following PowerShell script.
-General notes +
-We generally recommend converting files individually to ensure a smooth and error-free transition to the new format.   +
-However, if a large number of legacy files are present and manual conversion is not practical, the following script can be used:+
  
 +Download: [[https://filegw.hs-regensburg.de/webdav/Software/AustauschSoftware/supportwiki/Umwandlung_alte_Office_Formate/Skript_Konvertierung/Office97_Tools.zip|Office_Scanner_und_Konvertierung]]
  
-[[https://filegw.hs-regensburg.de/webdav/Software/AustauschSoftware/supportwiki/Umwandlung_alte_Office_Formate/Skript_Konvertierung/Convert-Office.zip|Convert-Office Skript]]+  * Converts legacy Office formats (''.xls'', ''.doc'', ''.ppt'') into the new formats (''.xlsx'', ''.docx'', ''.pptx'') using COM automation. 
 +  * Requirement: Microsoft Office must be installed locally (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 
 +  * No LibreOffice required. 
 +  * The source folder is searched **recursively** (including all subfolders). Logs and backups are stored in the **script directory** (not in the source folder). 
 +  * A backup is created before any file is converted.
  
-<note important>Downloading via browser requires login using your account in the format abc12345@hs-regensburg.de and the associated password. If issues occur during download, using a different browser or a private browsing window is recommended.</note>+**Requirements / Limitations**
  
 +The script only works on SCCM-managed devices, not on pure Intune-managed devices (due to stricter policies).
  
-Prerequisites +If there are Intune devices containing a large number of legacy files, the data must first be copied to an SCCM-managed PC, converted there, and then copied back to the original device.
-  * The device must be set up via SCCM +
-  * LibreOffice must be installed +
-  * Installation via the Company Portal +
-  * LibreOffice must be started and closed once before using the script   +
-→ required for initial setup (e.g., creation of user profile)+
  
-Procedure +**Automated Conversion Process**
-1. Initialize LibreOffice +
-  * Start LibreOffice +
-  * Then close LibreOffice again+
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:libre_office.png?400|}}+  - **Scan:** All files are opened, checked, and classified. At the end, a summary with counters is displayed. 
 +  - **Confirmation:** Prompt ''(j/n)''. Conversion starts only after entering ''j''. Any other input results in **no changes** being made.
  
-2. Prepare the script +For each successfully converted file:
-  * Download the script  +
-(https://filegw.hs-regensburg.de/webdav/Software/AustauschSoftware/supportwiki/Umwandlung_alte_Office_Formate/Skript_Konvertierung/Convert-Office.zip/Convert-Office+
  
-   +  - **Backup:** The original file is copied to ''Backup_Originale\'' – the source folder structure is **mirrored** (no naming conflicts). 
-* Extract and save it to a local folder (e.g., Documents\Scripts\Office97)+  - **Conversion:** The new file is created **in the same location** as the original (same folder, new file extension). 
 +  - **Deletion:** The original file is deleted **only if** both the backup and the newly created file have been verified to exist.
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:alle_extrahieren.png?400|}}+  SourceFolder\Subfolder\file.xls 
 +     ├─ Copy -> Backup_Originale\Subfolder\file.xls 
 +     ├─ New  -> SourceFolder\Subfolder\file.xlsx 
 +     └─ Original file is then deleted
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:extrahieren_nach.png?400|}}+Files that cannot be converted are skipped unchanged and recorded in a log file.
  
-3. Start Windows PowerShell +**Classification**
-• Open Windows PowerShell via Windows Search+
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:windows_suche_per_power_shell.png?400|}}+Not all files are converted by this script.
  
-4. Navigate to the script folder +In particular, very old files (internal BIFF2/3/4 format, Excel 2.0 - 4.0) as well as password-protected files cannot be converted automatically.
-Use PowerShell to navigate to the folder where the script is stored: +
-cd "C:\Path\to\your\script folder"   +
-Example: cd "C:\Users\kac40082\Documents\Scripts\Office97"+
  
-{{:staff:skriptordner_aufrufen.png?400|}}+Files containing macros are skipped. In such cases, manual conversion and verification of functionality are recommended (''.xls'' -> ''.xlsm'').
  
-5. Verify script file +^ **Category** ^ **Behavior** ^ **Log** ^ 
-Check whether the script is present in the folder: +| Convertible (OLE2, 97-2003 or 95) | converted | ''konvertierung.log'' | 
-dir+| Contains Macros | skipped | ''makro_dateien.log'' | 
 +| Password Protected | skipped | ''passwortgeschuetzt.log'' | 
 +| Blocked by File Block (BIFF2/3/4) | skipped | ''blockiert_dateiblock.log'' | 
 +| Other Scan Error | skipped | ''konvertierung.log'' |
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:dir_befehl_fuer_eingabe.png?400|}}+A separate .log file is created for each category, containing all affected files.
  
-6. Run the script +Skipped files are **not modified**. They remain unchanged and can be reviewed individually using the corresponding .log file.
-Start the conversion using the following command: +
-.\Convert-Office97.ps1 -SourcePath "SOURCE PATH" -TargetPath "TARGET PATH"   +
-Example: .\Convert-Office97.ps1 -SourcePath "C:\Users\kac40082\Documents\Test 1,2,3" -TargetPath "C:\Users\kac40082\Documents\Test 1,2,3\Converted"+
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:umwandlung_eingabe.png?400|}}+These files should subsequently be converted manually, archived, or deleted.
  
-Output after conversion+==== Example ====
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:ausgabe_nach_umwandlung.png?400|}}+=== Security Checklist Before Running the Script ===
  
-View in file directory+  * Only user data paths selected (no system or application folders) 
 +  * Backup location has sufficient free space (corresponds to the script storage location) 
 +  * A test run has been performed on a small folder 
 +  * The scan summary has been reviewed before confirming with "j"
  
-{{:public:sonstiges:ansicht_im_dateiordner.png?400|}}+=== Step 2.1 ===
  
-7. Check results +  - Download the conversion script and store it, for example, in a folder on the desktop (the backup files will also be stored here). 
-  * Verify that the converted files are located in the target folder (TargetPath) +  - Open PowerShell and switch to the script directory. 
-  * In case of issues, check the error log if available (it contains additional details on possible errors)+  - Execute the script as follows: ''.\Skript.ps1 -rootPath "C:\Users\abc12345\Documents\"''
  
-Notes +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_convert_01.png?800|}} 
-  * Batch conversion is particularly suitable for large data volumes + 
-  * Individual files should still be converted manually where possible +=== Step 2.2 === 
-  * Results should always be checked on a sampling basis+ 
 +  * In the first step, the script scans all files, performs the classification, and displays a summary in PowerShell. 
 +  * After reviewing the summary, you can decide whether the files should be converted. 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_convert_02.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +=== Step 2.3 === 
 + 
 +Enter ''j'' in PowerShell to start the conversion. 
 + 
 +Depending on the number and size of the files, this process may take some time. Progress is displayed directly in the PowerShell window. 
 + 
 +Once the conversion has been completed, another summary and the paths to the individual log files are displayed. 
 + 
 +{{:public:sonstiges:office97_convert_03.png?800|}} 
 + 
 +=== Step 2.4 === 
 + 
 +Review the log files and process the affected files manually. 
 + 
 +Keep the ''\Backup_Originale\'' folder temporarily in case any problems occur during conversion. 
 + 
 +If no issues (formatting, formulas, etc.) are found in the converted files, the folder may be deleted or archived. 
 + 
 +====== Special Notes by Application ======
  
-====== 4. Application-specific notes ====== 
 Word (.doc → .docx) Word (.doc → .docx)
-  * Check styles, headers/footers, and embedded objects. + 
-  * Macros are not automatically transferred (see below).+  * Verify styles, headers/footers, and embedded objects. 
 +  * Macros are not transferred automatically (see below).
  
 Excel (.xls → .xlsx) Excel (.xls → .xlsx)
-  * Check:+ 
 +  * Verify:
   * Formulas   * Formulas
   * Pivot tables   * Pivot tables
   * Links to other files   * Links to other files
-  * Files with macros must be saved as .xlsm.+  * Files containing macros must be saved as .xlsm.
  
 PowerPoint (.ppt → .pptx) PowerPoint (.ppt → .pptx)
-  * Check animations, transitions, and embedded media. 
  
-====== 5. Handling macros ====== +  * Verify animations, transitions, and embedded media. 
-Files containing macros are automatically detected when saving – Office will indicate that the .docm / .xlsm / .pptm format is required.   + 
-Use instead:+====== Handling Macros ====== 
 + 
 +Files containing macros are automatically detected during saving. In this case, Microsoft Office will indicate that the .docm / .xlsm / .pptm format is required. 
 + 
 +Use the following formats instead: 
   * .docm (Word with macros)   * .docm (Word with macros)
   * .xlsm (Excel with macros)   * .xlsm (Excel with macros)
   * .pptm (PowerPoint with macros)   * .pptm (PowerPoint with macros)
  
-Please review macro-enabled files carefully and consult the IT Center if any uncertainties arise.+Please review macro-enabled files particularly carefully and consult the IT Center if you have any uncertainties.
  
-====== Recommended procedure ====== +====== Conversion Using Office Online (Alternative) ======
-1. Create all new documents in the new formats immediately.+
  
-2. Prioritize the conversion of frequently used legacy documents.+If a file in a legacy format (.doc, .xls, .ppt) cannot be opened locally, it may be converted using the corresponding Office Online application.
  
-3. Convert rarely used or archived files as needed.+Procedure:
  
-4. After successful conversion, archive or delete old files where appropriate.+Upload the file to OneDrive or SharePoint.
  
-====== Conversion using Office Online (alternative) ======+Open the file using Microsoft Office Online:
  
-If a file in a legacy format (.doc, .xls, .ppt) cannot be opened locally, it can be converted using the respective Office Online application.+https://www.office.com
  
-Procedure:+Confirm the notification regarding the “legacy file format”.
  
-Upload the file to OneDrive or SharePoint.   +File → Save a Copy (online or locally).
-Open the file using Microsoft Office Online:   +
-https://www.office.com   +
-Confirm the notice regarding the “older file format”.   +
-File → Save a copy (online or locally).+
  
-The newly saved copy will automatically be in the current format (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).+The newly created copy will automatically be saved in the current format (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).
  
-====== Support and assistance ====== +====== Assistance and Support ======
-The IT Center supports you via //[[support@oth-regensburg.de|Support of OTH Regensburg]]// with: +
-  * Questions regarding the transition +
-  * Issues during conversion +
-  * Handling of complex or macro-enabled files+
  
 +The IT Center supports you via //[[support@oth-regensburg.de|OTH Regensburg Support]]// with:
  
 +  * Questions regarding the migration
 +  * Problems during conversion
 +  * Handling complex or macro-enabled files