pptx and docx

I was wondering what these mean? everytime i download one of these files they never work.so how would I go about making them work. I use the school's computers too if that info is relevant.

pptx and docx are indicators that the files have been created in a newer version of windows.  some of us save in both pptx/docx and ppt/doc.  I think if you want to access those files you're going to have to upgrade your Windows or find out how to convert the files to Windows 97-2003. 

ah ok, thanks. ill just have to switch them when using a computer at home. thank you.

you can try this file converter online.  it converts all different kinds of files... some of them when converted change a little in the font and layout so make sure you check them out first before showing them or making worksheets from them.  Mostly it creates formatting problems but can be changed easily.
www.docx2doc.com
Good Luck!

.docx, .pptx, .xlsx are file extentions used by Microsoft 2007 and later. They signify the new file type used by that program.

If you are using Office 2007 or later it is very helpful if you change the default save format to .doc, .xls, or .ppt based on the particular program. This is easy to do in the options section of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Once you change the default setting then anyone can open the files you create.

If you run across a .docx, .pptx, or .xlsx file and can't open it the odds are you're using Office 2003 (or 2004 on the Mac) and you don't have the Microsoft file converter installed. You can get that free from the Microsoft site at:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en

Once you download and install that you will be able to open .docx files and similar with your Office 2003 program.