Converting to Newer Excel Versions

Problem

Converting XL1.5 documents to be compatible with XL5 format.
Excel 1.5 docs can't be opened by XL 5 and newer-- how to update them in MacNail construction estimating software and construction accounting software

NOTE-- This answer applies to our retired MacNail construction software, which we retired in 2001. It has been replaced by Goldenseal estimating software and accounting software .

Diagnosis

Need to open the documents with XL 2.2, 3.0 or 4.0 and save them in the new format. If just one document, can open it by hand and save it. Otherwise, use the MacNail Manager to convert all MacNail files.
some of the less mac-literate will need major hand-holding. Basically walk them thru these steps:

Solution

1. Find XL 2.2, 3 or 4. It's probably in a Microsoft Excel folder. Install first and call back if it's not already on the hard drive.
2. Open the folder if necessary, and double-click on the Microsoft Excel application icon.
3. Choose Open from the File menu, and 'navigate' to the MacNail folder. If they don't know how to move around between folders, have them first hold the mouse down on the picture of the open file folder that's just beneath the 'Open Document' title. Move to the hard disk, then find the MacNail folder.
4. Double-click on the MacNail Manager.
5. Click Utilities, then click OK. If a real old manager, click Cancel.
6. Choose 'Convert All to Excel xxx' from the Special menu.

Comments

Note: if they've already converted some things to xl5 format, I'm not sure what happens, but any weird msgs may be due to that.

Entered 2/8/95 by Dennis. Updated 11/11/2010.