The .wps File
A .wps file is an old document file. It was made by a program called Microsoft Works. This program is dead now, but many people still find these files on old computers.
The Story of Microsoft Works
The Launch
Microsoft creates "Works". It is a cheaper, simpler version of Microsoft Office. Many families buy it for home computers.
The Golden Years
Millions of people write letters, school papers, and notes and save them as .wps files.
The End
Microsoft stops making Works. They want everyone to buy Microsoft Word instead. The .wps file format is abandoned.
Versions of Microsoft Works
Not all .wps files are the same. A file from 1993 is built differently than a file from 2005. This can make opening them harder.
What is inside a .wps file?
What it DOES have:
- Typed words
- Bold and italic text
- Basic tables
- Simple pictures
What it does NOT have:
- Complex computer code
- Video or sound
- Modern web links
- Hidden viruses (usually)
Wait, what is a .wks file?
Sometimes you will find a file that ends in .wks next to your .wps files. They are family members, but they do different jobs.
The Word Processor. It is for typing letters, stories, and essays. It acts like Microsoft Word.
The Spreadsheet. It is for doing math, tracking money, and making lists. It acts like Microsoft Excel.
Where do these files hide?
If you plug in an old hard drive, you might not know where to look. Old Windows computers saved files in different folders than modern computers do.
The Floppy Disk Problem
Many .wps files are trapped on old floppy disks. Modern computers do not have slots for these disks.
Solution: You must buy a "USB Floppy Disk Drive" from the internet. Plug it into your new computer, put the old disk in, and drag the .wps files to your modern desktop.
Why do people still care about these files today?
The Big Problem
Your new computer cannot read a .wps file by itself. If you double-click it, you will get an error. It is like having an old video tape but no VCR player to play it. You need a special tool to translate it.
What happens when you click it?
If you double-click a .wps file on a modern computer, you will usually see a confusing error box. Do not panic. It just means the computer is asking for directions.
How do you want to open this file?
Windows cannot open this file. To open this file, Windows needs to know what program you want to use.
How to open a .wps file today
Get LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a free program. It works on Windows and Mac. It is the best tool to read old files.
Open the File
Install LibreOffice. Open the program. Click on "File", then "Open". Find your old .wps file and click it.
Save it as New
Do not keep it as a .wps file! Click "Save As". Choose a modern format like .docx or .pdf. Now it is safe forever.
The Desperate "Notepad" Trick
If you are in a rush and cannot download LibreOffice, you can force the file open using a simple text program like Windows Notepad or Mac TextEdit. It will look very messy, but you might save the words.
// This is what it looks like inside Notepad
�œ�¶�...[GARBAGE SYMBOLS]...
Dear Grandma, Thank you for the birthday money. I am saving it for a new bicycle.
ÿÿÿÿ...[MORE GARBAGE SYMBOLS]...
Rule: Ignore the weird symbols. Just look for the normal English words mixed in the middle.
Other programs that might work
If LibreOffice fails, you have backup options. These programs also know how to read the old Microsoft Works language.
Apache OpenOffice
A very old but reliable free program. It acts just like LibreOffice.
Microsoft Word (Old Versions)
If you still have Word 2003 or Word 2007 on a CD, they can open these files easily.
Can I just use Modern Microsoft Word?
Maybe. Sometimes modern Word will open it. But often, it blocks .wps files completely. Why? Because very old files can sometimes have security risks. Microsoft turned off the reader to keep your computer safe. That is why using LibreOffice is usually easier and safer.
Security Warning
Should I use a website to convert it?
If you search Google, you will find websites that say "Upload your .wps file here and we will fix it." These are called Online Converters. They are fast.
The Danger:
When you upload a file, you are giving it to a stranger on the internet. If your file has bank numbers, passwords, or secret family letters, do not use an online converter. Download a tool to your own computer instead.
What if I have 500 files?
Opening files one by one takes too long. If you find an entire folder of hundreds of .wps files, you need a "Batch Converter".
A Batch Converter is a computer tool that opens and fixes hundreds of files at the exact same time. You press one button, go get coffee, and come back to a folder full of fresh .docx files. Search the internet for "Batch Document Converter software" if you need this.
What if the file is broken?
Sometimes, old files get "corrupted." This means the computer data broke down over time, like a photograph fading in the sun.
- Check the size: Right-click the file and click "Properties". If it says "0 bytes", the file is completely empty. It is gone forever.
- Try another computer: Sometimes, moving the file to a different computer using a USB drive fixes the problem.
- Use the Notepad Trick: (See above). This is the best way to scrape out words from a broken file.
Does the computer matter?
Windows PC
Windows computers made today do not come with Microsoft Works. You still need to download a tool to read the file.
Apple Mac
Apple computers can never read .wps files by themselves. The Apple "Pages" program does not understand them. You must use LibreOffice.
Why you should save it as a .PDF
When you finally open your .wps file, the program will ask how you want to save it. You should always choose .PDF if you just want to read it in the future.
A PDF is a Picture
It takes a permanent snapshot of your document. The words will never move around or look messy on a new computer.
A PDF Lasts Forever
Every phone, tablet, and computer in the world can open a PDF instantly. You will never have to search for a converter again.
Fix your files now
Old computer files break down. Programs disappear. If you have .wps files on an old floppy disk or USB drive, fix them today. If you wait another ten years, it might be impossible to read them.