Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

Hello
I am running Xenial64 on a Dell E6320 and am trying to read a docx file with no luck.
I have downloaded docx2txt 1.4.0.1 but no luck so far. What is the best way to do this.
I have tried to install Libreoffice 7.2 but it tries to start, puts up a Libre office logo then does nothing.
What is the best way to open docx files.
Help appreciated.
Thanks
number77

try and see if @mikewalsh's Textmaker stand alone SFS will load! Textmaker can handle docx with ease.

Download Textmaker2019-amd64.sfs

If that fails to run, perhaps installing the FreeOffice package which has Textmaker included could put you on the right road.

Use SFS-load-on-the-fly utility to load/install Textmaker!

rockedge wrote: ↑Thu Jul 14, 2022 5:37 pm

try and see if @mikewalsh's Textmaker stand alone SFS will load! Textmaker can handle docx with ease.

Download Textmaker2019-amd64.sfs

If that fails to run, perhaps installing the FreeOffice package which has Textmaker included could put you on the right road.

Use SFS-load-on-the-fly utility to load/install Textmaker!

Thanks rockedge.
Textmaker portable from mikewalsh works and starts perfectly. and is portable.
Thanks again.
number77

Textmaker is part of the FreeOffice Suite. It, along with the other two components --planmaker and presentationmaker-- are reputed to be the best for microsoft application compatibility. Mike's package of the full FreeOffice suite won't add much in terms of resource usage if you have a need for them.

You may eventually have to register (provide an email address). The publisher, SoftMaker Software GmbH, is a good and reputable company. [The full SoftMaker Suite includes the other components such as Base, Math and Mailmerge]. It doesn't abuse the information you provide it to register. A couple times a year you'll receive an email offering a discount on the current Softmaker Office, or --maybe to see if you're still alive-- a free font.

I use Libreoffice all the time to open docx documents. I generally navigate to the docx file via the FILE --> OPEN menu from a new writer document and the docx opens happily. A nuisance, but it does work.

@number77 :-

If you'd prefer to use LibreOffice, I've uploaded another 'portable' I put together more for my own use than anything.....this time, based round an AppImage of an older 4-series L.O. This is 4.2.0.4.

Reason being, I've always preferred the looks and the layout of the older versions of LibreOffice. From the 6-series onwards, they started adopting the modern 'flat-look' styling, which I detest. Regardless of that, this works perfectly for me in Xenialpup64.....and copes just fine with .docx files.

If you fancy taking a look at it, you can find it here:-

https://mega.nz/folder/fOhWRCSJ#I8aErvFAKa2DD-BG7RCB4w

Same usage instructions as for all the portables. Preferably run from outside the 'save'....

Up to you, of course.

Mike.

mikewalsh wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 7:20 pm

@number77 :-

If you'd prefer to use LibreOffice, I've uploaded another 'portable' I put together more for my own use than anything.....this time, based round an AppImage of an older 4-series L.O. This is 4.2.0.4.

Reason being, I've always preferred the looks and the layout of the older versions of LibreOffice. From the 6-series onwards, they started adopting the modern 'flat-look' styling, which I detest. Regardless of that, this works perfectly for me in Xenialpup64.....and copes just fine with .docx files.

If you fancy taking a look at it, you can find it here:-

https://mega.nz/folder/fOhWRCSJ#I8aErvFAKa2DD-BG7RCB4w

Same usage instructions as for all the portables. Preferably run from outside the 'save'....

Up to you, of course.

Mike.

Thanks Mike, will give it a go.
Yes, OCX files no problem, and portable too.
Thanks again

Geek3579 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:32 am

I use Libreoffice all the time to open docx documents. I generally navigate to the docx file via the FILE --> OPEN menu from a new writer document and the docx opens happily. A nuisance, but it does work.

Selecting any Wordprocessor that can actually open them, docx files can automatically be opened by them. IIRC:
File-browse to /usr/share/applications and scroll 'till you can see the desktop file of such Wordprocessor. Leave that window open.
Open a 2nd Window to a docx file. Right-Click it and on the pop-up menu click "Set run action". A GUI will open. Drag your choice of wordprocessor.desktop file onto the top panel of that GUI.

Alternatively, it can be added to Right-Click's 'open with' menu by a similar procedure.

Of course, the foregoing assumes you have rox as file-manager. I love rox. Would prefer a 2-or-4 pane option, but that absence is a minor inconvenience. See rox-sets, https://forum.puppylinux.com/viewtopic.php?t=4282 and my take-away from instructions by williams2, https://forum.puppylinux.com/viewtopic. ... 909#p39586. I personally think that tunnel vision among Devs of the 'Big Boy' distributions prevents rox from being more widely used.

@mikeslr

Would prefer a 2-or-4 pane option

You can sort of setup this preference by manually configuring the geometry and size of the windows individually and then opening the respective windows simultaneously with one command. I never have need for dual-pane windows because my bookmarks are setup very well. I use one fixed sized window and my bookmarks layout looks like the image below. I do not drag and drop either (apart from in rare cases) but always use the right-click options instead.