Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Open an existing file in an Office XP program

Opening an existing file

Once you've saved a file, you will want to open it.

To open a file:

• Choose File Open from the menu bar (Ctrl+O).
  
  
• The Open dialog box appears.
  
  

OR

• Click the Open button on the Standard toolbar.
• The Open dialog box appears.

The Open dialog box

Use the Open dialog box to find the file you want to open. Use the buttons along the left side of the dialog box or the Look in drop-down box to navigate to where your existing file is located. Use the arrow buttons to move between levels of folders.

When you've located the file you want to open:

• Single-click the file icon and click the Open button.
• The file opens.

OR

• Double-click the file icon.
• The file opens.

Opening an existing file using the task pane

The task pane is a new feature found in Office XP. It is located on the right side of your screen when you first start an Office XP program.

To open an existing file using the task pane:

• Open an Office XP program (excluding Outlook 2002).
• Open the task pane by choosing View Toolbars Task Pane from the menu bar.
• The new task pane opens on the right side of your screen.
• Single-click the file name you want to open.
• The file opens.
• If you don't see the file you want to open listed, click More...
• The Open dialog box opens.
• Look for your file using the Open dialog box.

Challenge!

• Open Word 2002.
• Practice opening an existing file using File Open, the Open button, and the new task pane.
• Close each file you open.
• Exit Word.