The following steps describe how to convert an older version of a Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel file to the latest version.

NOTE: UCF IT adopts Microsoft’s recommendations on blocking the ability to edit or modify older versions of Microsoft files due to security vulnerabilities that are present on older file versions.

 

Step 1 – Download and Save the File

IMPORTANT: If you open or view the protected file first, you will not be able to save the file.

Step 2 – Copy the Protected File into OneDrive

You can get the protected file on your OneDrive by either (a) moving it locally to the OneDrive folder or (b) uploading it on OneDrive online.

Option A – Copy to OneDrive Folder

Navigate to the location where you saved the protected file. If you did not save it within your OneDrive directory, you can (1) right-click and select Move to OneDrive to send the file to your OneDrive home folder, (2) move it there by selecting the document and dragging it to the desired location or (3) right-click on the document to copy and then right-click and paste at the desired location.

 

Option B – Upload to OneDrive

Launch any web browser of your choice and navigate to https://onedrive.com. On the homepage, click Sign in. Then, enter your NID@ucf.edu and click Next. You will be redirected to the UCF Federated Identity page to enter your current NID credentials.

After successfully signing in, you will be redirected to your OneDrive home folder. You can now navigate to the desired location to upload the file and click Upload then select Files.

Navigate to where the protected file is downloaded on your device. Then, select it and click Open.

Proceed to Step 5 if you uploaded the protected file to OneDrive.

Step 3 – Navigate to OneDrive Online

Once the protected document is within your OneDrive, launch any web browser of your choice and navigate to https://onedrive.com.

Step 4 – Login to OneDrive Online

1. Click Sign In.

2. Enter your NID@ucf.edu in the account and click Next. You will be redirected to the UCF Federated Identity page to enter your current NID credentials.

Step 5 – Open Protected File on OneDrive Online

On successful log in, you will be redirected to the OneDrive Online home page. You will need to navigate to the location where the protected file is saved. Then, click on the protected file to open it. The file will open within Microsoft 365 Apps Online.

Step 6 – Convert Protected File to a Newer Version

Microsoft Word

Once the protected file is open within Microsoft 365 Apps Online, click on Edit Document on the top-right ribbon area. Next, click on Edit.

You will be prompted to convert the file to the newest file format. Click on Convert.

Once the file conversion is complete, you will be prompted to either View or Edit the document. You can select either option or close the prompt.

You should now see another file was created with the same name, but the converted new file extension is now .docx.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Once the protected file is open within Microsoft 365 Apps Online, click on Save a copy.

Once the file conversion is complete, the copy will open by default. You can exit/close it. You should now see another file was created with the same name, but the new file extension is now .pptx.

Microsoft Excel

Once the protected file is open within Microsoft 365 Apps Online, click on Edit Workbook on the top-right ribbon area.

You will be prompted with the option to convert the file to the newest file format. Click on Convert.

Once the file conversion is complete, the copy will open by default. You can exit/close it. You should now see another file was created with the same name, but the new file extension is now .xlsx.

Step 7 – Launch New File

You can either (1) navigate to the location where the new file is saved on your device within the OneDrive folder or (2) download the file from OneDrive online. You should now be able to edit / modify the new file within Microsoft 365 Apps.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to delete the old version of the protected file to prevent any confusion when trying to access the new file.

 

 

If you have any questions, contact UCF IT Support Center at itsupport@ucf.edu or call at 407-823-5117.