Microsoft Office 2010 Upgrade
This summer, all campus PCs will be upgraded to Microsoft Office 2010. This new version brings significant improvements to Outlook, and extends the new “ribbon” interface to all Office applications that were previously on the old menu/toolbar interface.
We will begin automatically upgrading all campus PCs to Microsoft Office 2010 overnight during the week of August 1-5. In order to ease the transition from Office 2007 to Office 2010, all campus faculty and staff also have the option of installing Office 2010 on their own through the end of July. This process is very simple and requires only a few clicks. We highly recommend performing the upgrade early so that you have more time to become accustomed to the changes in the new version. Any PCs not upgraded by August 1st will receive the update automatically that week.
The upgrade is only available while connected to the campus network, so users who have university laptops at home will not be able to upgrade until they return to campus. Upon return, you can follow the directions below to upgrade.
To automatically upgrade your campus computer to Office 2010, please follow the instructions below. This option will be available until the week of August 1st, at which time the remainder of campus computers will be upgraded overnight.
Installing Microsoft Office 2010
- Close out of all Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.). If you are using a laptop, please make sure it is plugged in to a power source since the installation can take some time to complete.
- Click on the Start button and then on Control Panel.
- Look for an icon in the list called Run Advertised Programs. If you see it, double-click on it and go to the step 4.
If you don't see it, you may need to change the Control Panel view so you're seeing all items and not just categories. To do this in Windows 7, click on the View by: box at the top right of the window and select Small icons. In Windows XP/Vista, you may need to click on the Switch to Classic View link on the left.
- From the list that appears, click on Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus - Interactive Install and then click on the Run button at the bottom. This will start the installation process, as shown below.
If you don't see this item in the list, please close the Run Advertised Programs window, wait 5-10 minutes, and try again. If it still does not appear, please call our Faculty/Staff Help Desk at xHELP (x4357).
- The installation is completely automated and will take 10-45 minutes. When finished, you will see the message below indicating that Office has been successfully installed. Click on the Close button. When asked to reboot your computer, click on Yes.
- When your computer restarts, Office 2010 will be installed and ready to use! You can open any of the Office applications from the icons on your desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I have to spend a lot of extra time learning about the new version?
For the most part, no. Most Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint are mostly unchanged from a navigation/feature standpoint. Although you will see some new features, most of the functions you are used to will be the same in Office 2010. Microsoft Outlook (e-mail, calendaring, contacts, tasks, etc.) does, however, take on the new ribbon interface like Word and Excel already have. Although this interface is different, most people find it easier to use and very logical.
There are some excellent guides to making the transition to Office 2010 on Microsoft’s web site.
Will on-campus training be offered for this new version?
Training has been offered to many university employees already, and will once again be offered at the end of August and early in the Fall 2011 semester. Please watch your e-mail for an announcement regarding training dates and times.
How long does the upgrade take?
Depending on the speed of your computer, the installation can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. We recommend starting the installation before you leave for lunch, or before you go home at the end of the day so that it is completed by the time you come back.
How does this upgrade affect me if I have a Mac?
If you are using a Macintosh computer on campus, you should have already been upgraded to Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac. If you are not sure, or need to have your computer upgraded, please contact our Help Desk at 717-477-HELP (x4357).
Will I still be able to open files from older versions of Microsoft Office?
Yes. There are no changes in file formats between Office 2007 and Office 2010, so you will be able to open all documents and files created in Office 2007 (or earlier) applications. Additionally, users who have not yet upgraded and are still running Office 2007 will be able to continue to open and edit documents created in Office 2010.
What if I have already upgraded to Office 2010?
Many university employees were given early access to install Microsoft Office 2010 if they attended a training session. If you were given early access and have already installed Microsoft Office 2010, there's nothing else you need to do. No changes will be made to your computer when the upgrade is pushed out.
Can I get Microsoft Office 2010 at a discount to install at home?
Yes. The University Bookstore has Microsoft Office 2010 available for university faculty/staff for only $12. This special "Work at Home" version of Office includes all applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook and OneNote), and can be used on your home computer to support university functions.
Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac is also available for home Macintosh computers.
What if I need help with the transition or have questions?
If you have any questions about this transition, or need help installing or using Microsoft Office 2010, please contact our Faculty/Staff Help Desk at 717-477-HELP (x4357) or helpdesk@ship.edu.