how to install different versions of MS office side-by side

[ik9000]

Can anyone tell me how I can have installed MS office 2000, 2007 and 2010 side by side (or just 2000 and 2010 if needs be)

I don't mind if it defaults to always opening in 2010, but I need to be able to select certain files and open in 2000 to test backwards compatibility (and in some cases use the old custom macro buttons that 2010 seems determined not to let be used). I don't want to use virtualisation if possible.

I've been able to run both for a while but each time you open one it goes through the reinstall process associating all files with the program, setting itself as the default etc etc. This, slightly annoying but workable, solution ran fine until a few months back when Word2000 just said no and will no longer work, even with reinstall.

I'm wondering if I did a custom install of 2000 to a completely new directory path and locate all the templates and .dot files to a custom location it would then remove some of the conflict when 2010 is installed.

Has anyone else had to do this? All help greatly appreciated.

[Dooms]

This may be some help:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2121447

[TheDutyPaid]

Have you ever tried Open Office? It is free as well :-)

[ik9000]

Have you ever tried Open Office? It is free as well :-)

??? I already own the MS software, not sure how your post helps the thread, but thanks for the suggestion.