BLUESTAR  Downloaded stand-alone updater DMG. Updated everything fine and all seems well. Excel opened even faster than before (WOW!)

10.5.7 Leopard  
(Version 11.5.5)

SWISHER  I really hate Microsoft and their ways. I have 11.5.0 installed but had to 1st download the 11.5.1 and 11.5.2 and 11.5.3 updates in order to install the 11.5.4 update. But the 11.5.1 updater does not recognize the 11.5.0 version that I have installed, even though the read me says 11.5.0 is the correct version to update. No luck contacting MS either.  
(Version 11.5.4)

TOMDOHERTY  Once again I ask why is this update not available via Microsoft AutoUpdate?  
(Version 11.5.3)

KOBALT  I love it how every single MSOffice updater description says: "... this update includes fixes for vulnerabilities that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code."

This is the only software I know of that consistently releases updates to fix vulnerabilities to malicious code. Will they ever get it right?

I think I'll stick with the free alternatives: OpenOffice and NeoOffice.  
(Version 11.5.3)

TOMDOHERTY  Why, I wonder, is this update not available via the Microsoft AutoUpdate option? I have always used AutoUpdate since I first installed Microsoft Office 2004.  
(Version 11.5.2)

BETO BOTON  Installed and in MS Word About continues to show 11.5.0 . Restarted and continues to show 11.5.0.

same on 3 machines...

1 Powerbook G4 12"

2 Powerbook G4 12"

3 iMac Intel 2.4MHz  
(Version 11.5.1)

MSTIELAU  Update went smoothly. Things seem to be working OK.  
(Version 11.5)

CHRISWAN  Finally... a combo updater...  
(Version 11.5)

TIM.DEHRING  "If the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac is installed, this update enables Office 2004 for Mac to read and write Office documents that are in the Open XML Format."

This actually works on my PowerBook G4 that still has Office 2004 installed. Nice!  
(Version 11.5)

CEENIC  i did everything the readme states, i have the correct (legal) version for the upgrade and the software is installed in the default location. disabled everything as stated in the readme (yeah right, disable virus-protection (i.e. install ms office)). so apart from not having the ability of combo updates, the step by step approach doesn't seem to work either. another great throw from microsoft. 2 stars just because there is worse software out there, namely office 08 from which i downgraded again due to poor and sluggish behaviour.  
(Version 11.4.2)

WOODEN BRAIN CONCEPTS  I love it how every release says:

"Version 11.4.2 update fixes a vulnerability that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code."

lots of holes to plug i guess.  
(Version 11.4.2)

DRG  Downloaded from MU and installed. No problem. Yes, the auto update feature of Office 2004 doesn't seem to work anymore. I guess because of V.2008. The instructions say that you need V11.4.1 already installed and to confirm this you need to go to Applications/Microsoft Office 2004/Office/Microsoft Component Plugin and see that it says V11.4.1 before you install this version.  
(Version 11.4.2)

CYTOXMAN  Can't they release a combo updater???? How aggravating is this to have to download multiple updates...  
(Version 11.4.2)

CHRISWAN  I'm wondering when will they will release a combo updater... 11.4.5 maybe?  
(Version 11.4.2)

JOI  Same as everyone else, won't update past version 11.3.8... autoupdate claims there are no updates and downloading the updates 11.3.9, 11.4.0, etc via micro$ofts site won't install either... Typical for IBM sad to see this happen on a mac  
(Version 11.4.1)

MNTBIGHKER  Autoupdate no worky on every 11.4.0 equipped Mac we try it on. It probably fails period?  
(Version 11.4.1)

NEANISKOS  Trying to run the standalone-update on my iBook G4 10.4.11, I get the message that the standard location that is necessary for the update could not be found. Previously I wasn't able to update the Microsoft AutoUpdate software itself for the same reason. My current version of AutoUpdate says there are no updates. So either way (standalone and AutoUpdate) it's not working. Any suggestions?  
(Version 11.4.1)

MACTICK  Microsoft AutoUpdate failed to identify need to update to Office2004-1141UpdateEN on my G4 iMac, my G4 MacMini, or my C2D Macbook. Had to download the updater and run it in order to accomplish update. First time Autoupdate failed for me.  
(Version 11.4.1)

M-RICK  And they don't know the combo updates at MS ????

When you make a fresh install and you need then to update ...  
(Version 11.3.9)

BLUEJAY3132   I have Office 2004 set for "check for updates Manually". Not having seen any horror stories for 11.3.9, decided to try this update. Word - Help - Check for Updates. It first installed 11.3.5. Repeated the process for 11.3.6, 7, 8, and 9. Everything seems to be working. Word - About says 11.3.8, Excel says 11.3.7, Powerpoint 11.3.5, and Entourage 11.3.6.

FWIW, I don't use 2004 anymore, but I paid for it so I'm not going to throw it out. You never know...  
(Version 11.3.9)

UMIJIN  I've not been able to install any updates since 10.3.6.

None of the standalone updaters nor ones via the Autoupdate app can find anything to update.

It's unconscionable that this sort of thing could happen. This is Microsoft, not Joe's Home App Patching Code.  
(Version 11.3.9)

EASER  It's interesting that MacUpdate removed my reply from earlier today where I explained my use of the term "antiquated" and provided some justifications for my contention. Apparently, only pro-Microsoft comments are allowed on this website. I wonder how long before they'll remove this comment as well. Feel free to suspend my membership privileges.  
(Version 11.3.8)

XYPHER  Microsoft AutoUpdate doesn't work. It has reported that there are no new updates twice now, (for the previous update and for this). I have had to manually download the updates from MacUpdate. They should fix this.  
(Version 11.3.8)

EASER  Oh, please. These guys are spending time upgrading an antiquated program and, therefore, neglecting time that could be spent on the newer version that is already abysmally late and promises very little to us? I sincerely hope all Mac users are diligently checking out the alternatives such as the free NeoOffice or the more stable and fast Nisus Writer. It's time we sent these bozos a message that we care for their product as much as they seem to care for us.  
(Version 11.3.8)

G3P0  WARNING!!

Ever since applying this update I cannot access any of my personal folders and cannot receive mail from my Exchange server.

About 1.5 gigs of back up emails are no longer accessible!

Thank you M$.  
(Version 11.3.7)

WAZZUPINMACLAND  It's time now for the new office - I can't stand the poor performance of those sluggish app on my brand new MacBook... hurry up redmond!  
(Version 11.3.7)

DR TUGA  Tip for all who have trouble:

Download Microsoft Auto-Update and open it!

Then click on check updates.

It will say ''NewVersion 11.3.7 available.

Check it and click on download.

Wait until the bar finishes and it install automatically and where we are!

Microsoft Fully updated!!!!  
(Version 11.3.7)

LOCUTISOFBORED  Can't update the programs with 11.3.7 until you update with 11.3.1, 11.3.2, 11.3.3, 11.3.4... you get the picture, right? Not the best way to go about updating a program...  
(Version 11.3.7)

ABATES25  The updaters often times don't update all applications to the newest version, but only specific parts of the office 2004 install, hence the discrepancy between version numbers...  
(Version 11.3.7)

BUDJENS  OSX 10.4.10. Installed both the 11.3.6 and 11.3.7 updates, but About Word still says 11.3.5 (070413). What's the story?  
(Version 11.3.7)

BLUESTAR  Installed without a hickup. All apps work fine. I don't know what these other guys are doing who complain about having all these problems...  
(Version 11.3.6)

FLYING_MEAT  Installed (after figuring out a whacky bug with autoupdater) without problem.

Launched Word. No problem. Are there new icons in the document templates window? Seems like it...

Launched Excel. No Problem.  
(Version 11.3.6)

FELIX01  My system 10.4.10 install on a PPC Mac is largely unencumbered with add-ons and this update installed with no problems on top of version 11.3.5. A crosscheck with the ReadMe showed all components were installed/updated properly.

No issues apparent with limited use of Excel after the update.

As of this posting, there were no adverse comments on MacFixIt so these problems below appear to be very isolated. The update even seems to play well with Rosetta on the Intel Macs...unlike Apple's QuickTime update.  
(Version 11.3.6)

JCRAIG  Same thing here. Running AutoUpdate d/l the update, but then never installs it. Quitting AU, none of my Office apps will now launch. Way to go MS.  
(Version 11.3.6)

ANDREA-EMILIO RIZZOLI  After launching the installer it crashed and now all MS Office apps are not working any longer.  
(Version 11.3.6)

DONMONTALVO  We abandoned Microsoft Office 2004 a year ago. We (including my collegues and many of our clients) are hapily using NeoOffice.

Don Montalvo, NYC

Curmudgeon at large  
(Version 11.3.6)

WIZARD2  Microsoft's spin: 'Microsoft Office allows you to experience the beauty, power, and stability of all four Microsoft Office for Mac programs...'

Reality: Belatedly fixes dangerous vulnerabilities without reducing the clutter and sluggish behavior of this ever-expanding bloatware dinosaur.  
(Version 11.3.6)

BLUESTAR  Copying any text in WORD locks up computer for several seconds, the larger the text volume the longer the wait. Computer locks up with fans starting up loud to cool processor (G5 - MAC OSX 10.4.8) WHY? Incredibly annoying when trying to work on several pieces of text.   
(Version 11.3.5)

BLUESTAR  Works fine after update. All Apps. on OSX 10.4.8  
(Version 11.3.5)

MUDFLAPPER  Ever since upgrading to 10.4.9, Entourage refuses to launch. Double click the icon and it just bounces a coupla times in the dock then NOTHING. That really, really blows. :(  
(Version 11.3.4)

~S  "several improvements"? "fixes for vulnerabilities"? Doesn't this sound as the same update every time along the years?  
(Version 11.3.4)

CHRISTOPH3  Where's the Intel support? Oh well everyone should be using NeoOffice. Intel support and reads and writes .doc and .xls files.  
(Version 11.3.4)

ANON BUD  Updated like a charm through auto updater! In less than four minutes I was able to download and install and check to make sure all apps were working properly.

This update corrects the start time of events enter after March 21.

I’m just as unhappy as the next guy to have to be using ANY Micro$oft app, but I must say, it is an indispensable part of my workflow. I especially like that Entourage is an integrated contact management solution in one app.

Four stars for the app. Three for the price. Two for having to use MSanything. Even so, I can’t wait til Office 2008 comes out later this year....  
(Version 11.3.3)

DRAGONCE  Slow... too slow  
(Version 11.3.3)

EUSKIR  I can't see the update in the Microsoft AutoUpdate.  
(Version 11.3.3)

EGINZBURG  The size of this update is 57.6Mb not 13.3Mb.  
(Version 11.3.3)

AQTINC  Installer worked flawlessly.

I'm pleased to see Micosoft's Mac Business Unit continue to supprt those of us that must live in an IT-dominated office. We're under constant pressure to give up our Macs. Having an up-to-date version of MS-Office goes a long way to help win those arguments.  
(Version 11.3.3)

REAVERX  Cool - startup times on my mac book pro have substantially decrease4d with this update...  
(Version 11.3.2)

UMIJIN  This updater doesn't work on one of my two PowerPC Macs - a G4 PowerBook.

I get an error saying the installer can't find the correct files to update, even though they are there and were updated through 11.3.0 a couple of months back. My only option is apparently to re-install the whole Office package. (>_  
(Version 11.3.2)

MALCOLM51  Why do window uses have to be so jealous and knock the mac. Microsoft made a mistake, why couldn't they be big enough and admit it openly. With their market share they don't care anyway.  
(Version 11.3.2)

INDIGOIMAC  I had already installed 11.3.1 and hadn't bothered to uninstall it, 11.3.2 installed just fine on 3 different machines.  
(Version 11.3.2)

CREATIVEGUY  what the heck does this have to do with this piece of software???  
(Version 11.3.2)

MONOCLAST  Oh how quickly you forget. Apple has had this same error - and decidedly *worse* errors - before.

Anyone remember the Apple iTunes 2 software update that deleted people's entire home directories? I sure do!

Or how about the Mac OS X 10.2.8 update that appeared, disappeared, then reappeared after breaking network connectivity for Power Mac G4s, resetting file mappings, and causing startup difficulties? I remember it well.

Or what about those nifty 1st generation Power Mac MDD computers whose fans caused vibrations so bad that the resulting noise was unbearable. It was only after thousands of people complained that Apple finally offered free replacement kits to them.

Or how about the iTunes 4 bug that caused some Windows 2000 systems to hang on boot-up after installation? Oh yes, my friends, it happened!

Give it a rest, please. This was an honest mistake that any software company can make.  
(Version 11.3.2)

EUSKIR  Everyone can make an error, but this, an asking for the "uninstall" without telling the "whole story", or at least giving instructions. It's clear that big holes for open sources projects are opening everyday thanks to the lack of dication from the Microsoft Mac Team.  
(Version 11.3.1)

ELEGRAPHY  Can you imagine that Apple had the same error? This explaines that why Microsoft products always unreliable to use...  
(Version 11.3.1)

MALCOLM51  I wonder if Microsoft will say the same about the Vista release, released in error, probably will.  
(Version 11.3.1)

BRUCE_Y  Re. How to Uninstall an MS Office update:

Based on my conversations with one of the MS reps (quite a while back), the only procedure I know of is the manual proces:

1) Delete the Office apps and components (perhaps using either the MS Office remover or one of the several application zapper/removers you can find here on MU;

2) Then re-installing MS Office from an original CD/program source.

Note, this may require you to re-enter your MS Office product key.

3) Then applying the last 'Good' MS office update(s), short of this recent 'bad' one.

P.S. I checked the MS Update page lists their Official response, which is about the same:

"To remove this update.

This update does not include an uninstall feature. To restore your application to its original state, delete it from your hard disk, reinstall it from your original installation disk, and then install the updates you want."  
(Version 11.3.1)

EUSKIR  Well my friends, I think there's no a single way to "uninstall" the update...  
(Version 11.3.1)

MACMAN8  I do need advice here. If was suggested that if we have applied the Office Update, which I did on my G4 iBook with Tiger, that we should uninstall the update. I've never uninstalled an update. How do I do so? Also, if the update remains on my Mac, what problems might i be facing?  
(Version 11.3.1)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  According to SANS Internet Storm Center, the release of the Mac Office patches was a mistake...

Microsoft accidentally released an updated named 11.3.1 for Office 2004 and 10.1.9 for Office v.X (the Apple Mac versions) today.

It did contain an unspecified security fix and stability improvements. After asking what it fixed we got the reply it was actually a pre-release that was made available through auto-update. [This] wasn't intended to be released and hence has been pulled. See the MSRC blog for more details.

Microsoft is also recommending to uninstall the patches  
(Version 11.3.1)

MALCOLM51  The automatic update on microsoft office does not recognise the update. I t would appear that microsoft have now dissaled the links to the updte also.  
(Version 11.3.1)

NFINCH  Looks like it's been pulled--not on the Mactopia site or using the built in update function of office.  
(Version 11.3.1)

UMIJIN  The AutoUpdate application for Office doesn't recognize or find this update on my two Macs. What's up with this?  
(Version 11.3.1)

ESPIRIDION  The update ran smoothly for me. I had some problems in the past with PowerPoint and some presentations, but it seems to be working fine now.  
(Version 11.3.1)

DONMONTALVO  senseless updates that do nothing to address the main issue...the entourage spinning beach ball.

microsoft broke entourage (in exchange environments) but instead of acknowledging their mistake, they release dot-dot patches under the guise of security concerns.

microsoft's mac business unit's dev team manager should be fired. or maybe not...we've migrated several hundred people to neooffice and thunderbird (we're anxiously awaiting further progress on lightning/sunbird). maybe the manager should receive a reward for giving us the last straw that prompted us to look for alternatives.

how sweet, opensource. :D

don  
(Version 11.3.1)

PEDRO FARDILHA  Quite unstable.

Amazing how even an open source "office suite" like NeoOffice can be more stable than this.

If we compare the funds of one and the other team, it's even more strange  
(Version 11.3.1)

ROB06AU  This update just goes to show how lame Microsoft are becoming as it doesn't fix the Word security issues at all.  
(Version 11.3.1)

STRATOLOGY  Installed MS Office and the 11.3 updater on a previously MS-free Mac. It broke items in the keychain, a Mail account, and printing. A few days after the install, Mail caused a kernel panic (it had never even crashed or stalled before. Ever.) Everything bad ever written about MS products in regards to breaking competitors' products is true. If you have a Mac that runs well and is stable, and if want to keep it that way, stay away from MS products.  
(Version 11.3)

TAXIKONG  Why would Microsoft waste time on a Universal Binary for a point release. Quit carping; you just want a UB now so you don't have to deal with the inevitable product activation 'feature' when a truly new version comes out. Because far more than half of Office 2004 users didn't pay a cent for it. Sorry to stick the ugly truth in your face.  
(Version 11.3)

DONMONTALVO  no fix for entourage 2004 spinning beach ball. entourage 2004 is not updated (still at 11.2.5). a big disappointment...and a clear signal to move clients effected by this issue to apple mail.

don montalvo, nyc  
(Version 11.3)

USINGPOND  This is like the second update now without a UB version, right?

Pretty ballsy.  
(Version 11.3)

J F  I updated to 11.2.6, at least I think I did. BUT, has anyone checked the version # after updating? Mine still says 11.2.5, NOT 11.2.6. I've tried it 3 times, to no avail.

Lame  
(Version 11.2.6)

JAMES88  I also have a crash when saving documents. I initially thought it was a font cache problem (it also crashed when generating WYSIWYG font menus), so I cleaned out all extra fonts and deleted all font caches. That solved the font menu crashes, but it still crashes when trying to save a document.

Anyone figured out a fix? I'm figuring I'll need to do a complete re-install of Office 2004 up to 11.2.5.  
(Version 11.2.6)

POPOP  can't save any wordfiles after this update. when enter "save" word goes in a loop and after 30 sec. all active programs crash incl. finder...

anyone else got this problem?

macosx 10.4.7 on macbook pro  
(Version 11.2.6)

TOMEM  That stinks. Why bother? To be safe(r), I suppose...   
(Version 11.2.6)

NEWZOOREVIEW  Still no Universal Binary: there's no legitimate excuse. Unlike Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office did not rely on a co-processor (the Altivec Engine) that is missing in Intel computers. Microsoft is just slow and incompetent (Vista anyone?). They also care little about the Mac market (Have you noticed how Entourage is still crippled compared to Outlook in interacting with Exchange servers? No ability to schedule resources (like conference room space) after several years?)

Apple told everyone all along to use Xcode. If Microsoft hadn't been arrogant and bullheaded they would have been able to recompile Office for MacIntel in an afternoon. And now we are supposed to believe that the company that holds an illegal monopoly on Intel-based operating systems can't write Intel code for Macs?

Microsoft has always played dirty, and they will continue to do so.  
(Version 11.2.6)

JUMP420  Adobe isn't Universal yet either. So let's not jump to conclusions. I know M$ sucks, but at least when you need Word it's there, and it will usually work.  
(Version 11.2.6)

CJM99Q  Is it just me, or have the last 2 or 3 updates all been to fix "vulnerabilities in Office 2004 that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code" ?

Can anything that comes out of Redmond be free of bugs and holes?   
(Version 11.2.6)

GETSOMESAUCE  For those complaining about the lack of a universal app, please be aware that Microsoft is working on it. Microsoft is bringing Office into Xcode as you read this so it'll be a part of the next major release. For those still whining about the lack of a universal app, please understand that it's an incredibly difficult procedure to update MILLIONS of lines of code for a new processor AND add new features to calm the masses. For those who are STILL blubbering about the lack of a universal app, move out of your Mom's house, stop using Office, and go get Mariner Write or OpenOffice.  
(Version 11.2.6)

USINGPOND  Hmmm, an update with no universal binary. That makes sense.  
(Version 11.2.6)

ME2  Updated my "Office" SW on a G5 Dual 2.5Ghz PMac.

No issues whatsoever. Rock on . . .   
(Version 11.2.5)

LARRY2  One would think they would make this intel compatible at least. I am disappointed with this update for that reason.  
(Version 11.2.5)

MATT3141  Note that ALL comments below this one refer to versions of the Office Update PREVIOUS to 11.2.5, and thus may NOT APPLY to this latest update (which presumably addresses some or all of the issues mentioned).

I'm an Apple Product Professional and ADC member with four modern Macs (all with Mac OS X, v.10.4.7, and Office 2004). I applied this patch successfully to all three of the non-Intel machines.

I've never had ANY issue with any version of Office 2004, including this update. It could be noted, however, that I don't use documents in Latvian or Eastern European character encoding, but do extensive work with documents which use multi-byte fonts, primarily Japanese. Also, Entourage is not my primary e-mail client, but I do use it for some non-mission-critical accounts.

Bottom line: I had no hesitation applying this patch on the day it was released (11 July, 2006). Those not experiencing any issues, OR those with existing problems with the software, may wish to postpone this update until more information comes in, and/or do some research into what issues this patch addresses.  
(Version 11.2.5)

SMITHMEISTER  I installed the update two days ago. The following day I couldn't open anything. The Word icon, e.g., in the dock would bounce and quickly close, leaving a the error report window that allows you to forward on the problem to Apple. I ried using the "Remove Office" utility off the installation disk. Same thing. I repaired permissions. Made no difference. Trashed all

of the Microsoft preferences in my user Library. Made no difference. Wasted most of yesterday without any progress toward a solution. I've spent all day today reinstalling apps, using repair utilities, trashing preferences, and copying from back-up files preferences for the Microsoft apps that existed prior to my installation of the satanic update. None of this has helped. I am now trying a full reinstall of a backup of my apps and User folder. Instead of getting caught up on my work this weekend, I've spent my time - no wasting my time - trying to undo what Redmond has wrought.

Do not descend onto the path I took. Turn back.

Help!

Dave Smith, Kirkland, WA   
(Version 11.2.4)

KOBEGUY  This update has done nothing except WASTE my time... I recommend not updating since this seems to have caused numerous performance problems. I use Word everyday for work, and can't understand why MS would release such garbage, in spite of it's billions of dollars and thousands of hard working professional programmers. With resources like that, they should be releasing the finest stuff on the market. Clearly they don't care, since it is nearly impossible to make bug reports.

Since the update:

1) I cannot delete a block of text after highlighting. It only will work by deleting characters individually.

2) Charts can't be copied & pasted, only text.

3) Noticable slow downs - text frequently takes several seconds to appear after typing, creating a sticky effect. Yuck.

Thankfully, there are alternatives that are actually fun to use and work. I'm recommending our company dump this junk.  
(Version 11.2.3)

BGRANT  Thought you should know that the latest update to Office creates MORE problems than it fixes in terms of the addition of Sync Services. You people STILL do not support your own use of categories. GoBetween, a 4-person, shoe-string software company sells a product that already does this. Why did not Microsoft just buy them out, work out a few kinks, and package it? But NOOOO.. Microsoft has to introduce a competing offering that has several bugs and shortcomings. The ONLY thing tempting is that it is FREE.

Go back to the drawing board and learn how to design better product.

MEANWHILE, for those of you thinking you can go to a Mac from a PC and use Office seamlessly, keep dreaming. Entourage makes Outlook look like a stellar and reliable software package.

If you need Outlook functionality, DO NOT CONVERT to using Mac full time. It is not solid, and I doubt it ever will be.

LETTER FROM MARK/SPACE (Makers of the “The Missing Sync for PocketPC)

Last week, Microsoft released a much-anticipated update to Office

2004 for Mac OS X, which includes some new features for Entourage.

Most notably, this update adds Spotlight searching and Sync Services

support to Entourage.

Sync Services is a synchronization component that Apple introduced in

Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger". Essentially, Sync Services provides a

centralized database for common types of information, including

contacts, calendar events and tasks. Tiger's Address Book and iCal

applications are constantly syncing their data in the background with

the Sync Services database.

All current Missing Sync products use Sync Services to synchronize

with supported handheld devices. Instead of syncing with Tiger's

Address Book application, your PDA's or smartphone's contacts are

synchronized directly with the Sync Services database. The same is

true with calendar information.

The huge advantage to interfacing with Sync Services is that we can

synchronize with information from other applications that use this

technology. Chronos Organizer gained support for Sync Services

earlier this year, and Microsoft has just done the same with

Entourage. Now, Entourage users can synchronize information through

Apple's .Mac service and other Sync Services clients, like The

Missing Sync.

However, depending on the way you work, you may view how Entourage

passes category data to Sync Services as limiting.

No category information is passed to Sync Services for Entourage's

address book contacts. All contacts sync back and forth through Sync

Services to Tiger's Address Book application and Entourage, but

Entourage category and information is not shared.

Similarly, Entourage does not synchronize any calendar event or task

categories with Sync Services. Instead, all events and tasks from

Entourage are given a category of "Entourage" when they are sent to

the Sync Services database. This means that events labeled as "Home"

or "Work" in Entourage won't appear in the "Home" or "Work" calendars

in iCal; they will show up in a single calendar called "Entourage".

Likewise, only events and tasks added to iCal's "Entourage" calendar

will sync back to Entourage.

Depending on which edition of The Missing Sync you work with, this

Entourage update may open up additional synchronization options.  
(Version 11.2.3)

GUNTIS  I have to confess that there is no way to submit these bugs to Microsoft... I haven't found any support option to communicate to MS about the bugs in Word 2004. Here we go...

1) First problem concerns scrolling. While in Page layout (or even in Normal) view, I cannot scroll down to another page, because Word immediately brings me back to the place where the cursor is inserted. Sometimes I just open some Word document, and immediately try to scroll down and... it'simpossible! - I'm immediately back at the beginning of the document. (Sometimes not -- can scroll for a while, but usually within a minute or so scrolling becomes impossible due to the bringing me back to the point where the cursor is inserted). So, I scroll down, but immediately Word jumps back to the beginning. Then it's a speed game -- who will be the first -- Word (bringing me back to the beginning of the document) or me (inserting cursor in another page to stay there). Even after the Service Pack 2 this problem hasn't gone. In our office we recently bought iMac G5 17", I installed Office 2004, and again this problem. I really wonder are we the only ones who experience this problem?

2) Word for Mac 2004 hasn't all languages in the language list (Tools menu > Language...) as Word for Windows 2003. And that causes major problems when I receive Word documents for revision from Windows users. They send me documents in Latvian. Because Mac version doesn't have Latvian (and also doesn't list Estonian or Lithuanian) language in the language list, as soon as I instert cursor in the Latvian text, Track Changes adds comment to that line that I have changed language to Czech! Try to amend organization's bylaws or constitution documents when such things happen! I simply cannot even touch such documents which involve Track Changes feature. And when I send documents back to the Windows users, instead of Latvian they have Czech language, and hyphenation on their computers doesn't work anymore...

Another problem: If I enable Russian keyboard input, then inserting cursor in Latvian text causes Word to switch input to Russian, although I have also Latvian input. Every time I change cursor position, I have to switch back from Russian to Latvian input.

PLEASE add Latvian to the language list. I don't care about hyphenation and other extras. All I need is to not damage documents written in Latvian and be able to type in Latvian without constantly switching keyboard input! Currently the only solution to the input switching problem is to leave Latvian as the only keyboard input. but still Word thinks that I'm typing in Czech...

3) I've noticed that after any change in System in User's font folders, it takes very long time for Word to launch. I tried to disable "WYSIWYG font and style menus" in Preferences (General Options), but hadn't any progress. Sometimes it takes about 2 minutes to launch Word!!! Do you think it's OK?! I've noticed that I have to open and close Word twice this way, then it starts to launch as expected -- just a few seconds. But after running Yasu and cleaning all System, User and Font caches, at the next launch I have the same problem again. Word opens painfully slow...

I wish M$ could do something about font menu list -- so that the font list would display only Font family names in the main list, and move all those Thin, Thin Condensed Italic, Semicondensed Bold, Extended Bold, Black, etc. style variations to the submenu...

In it's current incarnation I cannot recoment Word 2004...  
(Version 11.2.3)

ANTONIO MORENO  I´m getting mad. i´ve just installed the english update of office over my english office 2004, and my calendars of entourage appears in german?¿?¿?! i can not change it, and the only reason i can find is that my location on the computer is Berlin and maybe its one bug into the update that changes the language. someone there has any problem like that?  
(Version 11.2.3)

ENCRO  I never upgraded from v.X but its really good to see the effort gone into 11.2.3 enhancements.

Things like Spotlight and the SyncServices.framework integration are easily selling points for Office 2007 but Microsoft have included it in an update. Fantastic! :)  
(Version 11.2.3)

BOBWEINER  I have applied this update on G4 and G5 systems in our office and at home with no problems encountered. After the updates, the launch times of Excel, Powerpoint, and Office all seem to be MUCH faster now - compared with a somewhat sluggish launch time before. Very happy (and impressed) with the improvements.   
(Version 11.2.3)

CRAIGG  Update installed flawlessly, but Word and Entourage now appear to be slower. Also, Entourage database app continually says database is damaged, despite full repairs being carried out.  
(Version 11.2.3)

JUNEHAO  Awesome update! I can finally sync my contacts between Address Book and Entourage, for free. And it's an official support!  
(Version 11.2.3)

ROBERT MORTON  Entourage can actually do a good search against an LDAP server. You used to have to basically do an advanced Find to find anything. Spot light works. Basically, if I used Entourage as my main email program, I would be happy.  
(Version 11.2.3)

TOGGLEMEDIA  Wow! This update is sweet. Finally searching Entourage emails using spotlight is possible, and fast! And, the best feature of this update, being able to synchronize calendars and address book!!!! Wow! Priceless....I was expecting these features but not until Office 2006. Thanks MSBU! You guys rock.  
(Version 11.2.3)

MJALBERS  I am having absolutely no problems with this update, or any of the other ones that have come out. Entourage works fine with our Exchange 2003 servers, and I have 30 OS X Tiger clients that are having the same success.

I would have to conclude that those having problems are experiencing them due to other factors on their systems, and not the updates from Micro$oft.  
(Version 11.2.3)

DGOULD  Do not update... this update is full of problems. Just read the reviews. If you don't notice and problems, then you don't know what you're doing. Entourage is full of problems. It increases the size of your Database, and doesn't seem to work with Exchange Server. Microsoft needs to pull this update. I glad I still have my install disc.  
(Version 11.2.3)

ANONYMOUS  All latest Microsoft Office 2004 updates 11.2 and 11.2.1 ........ are not att good error in Excel, Word and Entourage.... Crashes so often 5-10 per hour.

Regards // BN  
(Version 11.2.1)

ANONYMOUS  Does anyone know the link for the 11.2.1. Combined Update? My second mac is not linked to the internet so I can't download it through auto-update. I need to download the installer on my ibook and transfer it to my imac.  
(Version 11.2.1)

RITZ  no problems...OS 10.3.9.  
(Version 11.2.1)

DOUBLEDONN  Updated this Software two days ago and have yet to be able a Word Document am going to try to reiinstall if possible but do not have high hopes all my documents arenot responding only that eternal wheel.  
(Version 11.2)

BY  I haven't seen any particular improvements, at least not on my configuration. Though, the install went smooth.

BUT, two big steps back for Entourage (IMO):

1) Larger Entourage 2004 email database for same mail data - Main Identity/Database increased in size by about 8 or 9% at the end of the update. I ran the repair and compact, but no change, so now it takes up more space than it used to...

2) Worse from my perspective -- the Move (to Folder) drop down menu is now about Totally USELESS after the update. Because instead of the folder names that I gave my folders, now every folder has the text string " (On My Computer)" tacked on to the end of the folder name.

MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT for me to VISUALLY see where I want to drop my received mail to.

What a stupid thing to force on all users. (I am not connected to an Entourage server, so of course all my folders are on my computer..... duh)

At the very least, it should be an option to turn off, or only be enabled for server connections, but I have not found it.

If anyone knows how to turn it off (besides reinstalling 2004), let me know. Thx.  
(Version 11.2)

PHIL  Hey everyone, is it just me, or do you guys get these weird jumbled-up boxes when you put brackets around a fraction? i.e., adding the field "EQ \B(\F(3,4))" for example. I do not get the weird boxes without the fraction; I'm guessing it has something to do with the vertical extension of brackets that gives Word its problem? It'd be awesome if anyone could help. Thanks!  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  I've experienced not one of the issues that others say they have had in installing this update. Smooth sailing for me and happy with the results. Guess I'm just lucky.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  Why use microsoft having the Apple Mail or Keynote, maybe word and excel is still usefull but if appleworks release new dictionaries I change. Microsoft sucks.

I think is an advertising issue, for example if all mac users can get a free netscape account and useit with the apple iChat, works great. Just tell and see.  
(Version 11.2)

CALIBAN2U  well, for me Entourage still has the same old issue that i had hoped was going to be corrected: just about every attachment that isn't a .doc or jpg gets corrupted so i *always* have to attach another doc first and remember that i can not forward emails with attachments...  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  There's a problem with word. If you copy something into the clipboard and then open word hoping to paste it in to a new document - guess what, upon launching word seems to clear the clipboard so you have to go back and copy it again. Does this update fix it? Does it hell. Well M$ - you did it again. A mostly useless 50MB update. Although it did fix an error connecting to the M$ LDAP server on my office network.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  Warning!!!

Not use this updater!!!

Auto update is crush,and my disk's B-tree broken.

Download updater is break my data...  
(Version 11.2)

SUPERNITIN  WARNING! This upadte deleted all my e-mails. Dam you Microsoft. The e-mails in m IMAP accounts are ok but the POP accounts are gone.  
(Version 11.2)

Q  Sad… it does not solve the (wheel) scrolling problems of word files….  
(Version 11.2)

CHR. LATHAM SHOLES  A fast and easy update.

Thank you, Microsoft Mac Team!!

There is no match out there to the wide functionality of MS-Office. ...not Openoffice, NeoOffice, ThinkFree, Papyrus, Nisus, Mellel ...nor mmm, Apple Pages.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  well, rather sooner than later

it works just fine

we can complain on everything but none of those, pretending to be called "an office program", can be compared with MS Office, at least for now

solid and stable, even though, surprise, it's a

Microsoft product

  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  Wow, this "Service Pack" (why can't MS just call them "updates" like everybody else?) fixes problems from migrating from Office X??? Wait, Office 2004 has been out for HOW LONG? Um... Thanks?

It'll be worth it if this "Service Pack" (UPDATE!) finally fixes the duplicate message bug that all of the end-users I support keep crabbing about!  
(Version 11.2)

HOTCHILI  Not Openoffice, try NeoOfficeJ

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15797

much better.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  Very nice so far. Update went without a hitch. I like the Notebook feature in Word, complete with Scribble pen for note-taking. Don't know if that was there before or not. Just noticed it today after the update. LOL.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  Works fine  
(Version 11.2)

ERIC  I use a Kerio mailserver (exchange) and Entourage wiped itself the first time it connected with the server. I still have the good copy on the server, but recreating the account in Entourage couldn't make Entourage synchronise the data again. I'm NOT goiing to update the computers at work, that's for sure. And I'm NOT using a pirated serial nr... Beware !!!  
(Version 11.2)

SUPERNITIN  I think the Mac BU at MS does a good job. If there is anything Microsoft knows it is Excel and Outlook. I for one am glad there are versions available for the Mac, even though they aren't perfect, and am happy to give them dollars so they can justify their existence to Bill. If you are a college student you may be able to get Office for the Mac for $79. That is a great value.  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS   Ohh yay! Now I get to rebuild my database AGAIN!!!   
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  No it doesn't require a new code, but it will remove a vital part of MSOffice if it finds a Stolen code :-)  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  You people should really go play Robin Hood in the appropriate places... They're plenty of them... Writing this here is just... How should I put it politely? "unfortunate" ... how's that?  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  It doesn't need a new serial...

Stealing from Microsoft makes you feel like Robin Hood...  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  will it block our stolen serial numbers? ;-)  
(Version 11.2)

ANONYMOUS  I was skeptical about upgrading to Entourage 2004. I have used it for two weeks, and I am very happy so far. Some rules got messed up with the upgrade, but other than that, no problems.

It is faster and more flexible that Entourage X. I am very surprised about the speed. I have a 450MB database that seems to cause no problems.

No crashes yet either.

I am surprised to be writing this review about a Microsoft product. Hope the honeymoon lasts more than 2 weeks.  
(Version 11.1.1)

TOURNESOL  Works allright most of the time, but seems to clutter after a while making scrolling jumpy and the overall speed decrease. To many bugs in my opinion. Office X 10.1.6 works much better.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Entourage notification sounds don't work any more with MacOS 10.4.1 despite thatnotifications are turned on everywhere. Anyone any suggestions?  
(Version 11.1.1)

IRENE  Has anyone else noticed that after installing this preview, Word and Entourage remain at 11.1.0, while Powerpoint and Excel are now 11.1.1? Is this supposed to happen?   
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Call me a cockeyed optimist, but in anticipation of improved Entourage functions, more bells and whistles like project manager and notebooking function, I bought the upgrade from Office X to 2004 and looked forward to using returning to Entourage calendar, mail, tasks, etc.- which I stopped using a few years ago. I even coded my messages and contacts with categories and projects. When will I ever learn? Entourage freezes on a regular basis. Waste of time. Word, well, some of the additions are useful and I have to use it for my work but MS just continues to make the app more annoying. It tries to be so "helpful" - so dummy-ready - that it fairly groans under its own weight. I'm a college professor; trying to print out my lecture notes from a Powerpoint show is a nightmare. More specifics? Not necessary. Suffice it to say that with Office, it's always something glitching, freezing, sticking, stopping ..... ML  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  The Office 2004 Test Drive came installed on my machine and it crashed constantly. It shut down every time that I tried to drag text in Word, and whenever I wanted to refer to a cell on a different worksheet in Excel. It was the most unstable program I have ever used.

I don't see anything listed on the update that addresses any of this, so I'll just wait for something better to come along.  
(Version 11.1.1)

GRADUS  Oddly enough, the bugfix list doesn't mention any improvement to Word - which, for most people, is the most important app in this package. The good news is that the update does indeed fix the most critical issue I've had with Word '04: scrolling through pages has become noticeably faster. Not fast enough to make it a joy to browse long documents with many pics and footnotes, but at least faster than with the .0 release. There is still much room for further performance improvements, but it's a start.

As for people who complain that they couldn't install the update though they followed every advise in the Readme: You should have learned by now that this is Microsoft's way of blowing you a kiss for using a "public" serial number.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Why haven't they fixed the "Connecting to Printer" bug which locks up Word consistently for the people who experience it making the suite pretty useless. C'mon MacBU, we deserve better for $400!  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Does not find my Office 2004 folder apparently. Version checked 11.1.0 on my programs, program placement is correct, no apps are running, and the installer says that there is no installed version found anywhere on my computer to update. Folder is Microsoft Office 2004 in Applications on my HD. I hope others have better luck.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Hey the about box of Word, PowerPoint, Excell stil show 11.1 instead of 11.1.1 man this sucks so much don't know if the upgrade worked for me or not. Btw there hasn't been any noticeable change in the performance of the Office Suite.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANDRE KNECHT  Here's why I chose not to upgrade to the latest version of Office:

1) Word is... well, it's not a useable word processor for me anymore. In fact, Word has been on a slow but steady slide into unuseability since after v5.1. Bloated and byzantine, it reminds me of Elvis - more rhinestones with each passing year (new version), less substance.

The automatic formatting features are more of a hindrance than real help, and working around that has become cumbersome and convoluted.

Last but not least, I don't particularly enjoy the fact that it crashes a lot. On the plus side, you can now make it all look like a note pad. Whoohoo! (Cough.)

2) Entourage isn't all bad. My email needs are all POP-based, so its inability to function as an Exchange client isn't a problem for me.

What does drive me nuts, however, are day-to-day useability stumbling blocks. The small stuff that drives you nuts in the long run and makes you come to the conclusion that the developers themselves are not using what they create.

The "Rules" (filtering) creation dialog is modal. This forces one to close and reopen it when moving to the next message that needs a new rule to be created. (By way of comparison, Apple's Mail rules window can stay open while you sift through your mail.)

When creating filters, I turn on the "View Internet Headers" option. For whatever reason, each time I move to view the next message, the size of the Internet Headers pane reverts to its default (small and unuseable) size, forcing me to resize it. How dumb is that?

---

I downloaded the trial version of Office 2004. I used for exactly two hours -- the time it took to learn that Word is still unstable (and even slower), and that the Entourage issues I detailed above were not addressed). Then I trashed it.

If Microsoft wants $249 from me, they're going to have to put some actual work into it. I don't value cosmetic (ahem) "improvements" nearly as much as I do "useability." (The two are NOT one and the same.)

Therefore...

I have purchased Apple's Pages (Adios, Word). It may be a little rough around some of its edges, but at least it works and I get things done.

I still use version X (10.1.6) of Entourage (still has much better filtering options than Apple's Mail), and Excel, which works just fine as is.

Your mileage may vary.   
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  I thinks it's okay software. Most features are there and function stable even though Windows frameworks are absent on OS X. A lot had to be rebuilt, I guess.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Still crap after all these years!

I admit to using MS Work on the Mac…Mac Classic but now of this other junk…MacBU -> fix it for the "forced users" in the Mac community :-(  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Killed my syncing to my palm device after installing. Now I can use Entourage to sync anymore. What garbage again.  
(Version 11.1.1)

MR. POOPIE PANTS  I STILL haven't seen a good explanation from Microsoft as to why they ahve omitted the MAPI protocol from Entourage. They claim that Entourage has support for Exchange Server, but it simply talks to the server's OWA using WebDAV. Entourage users can't directly view other users' calendars. They can't set permissions on their own objects. The only thing they can see in the Public Folders are mail items... nothing else. Until Microsoft builds REAL MAPI support into ENtourage, I have to give it low marks. Come on, Microsoft. Knock this sh*t off and give us a real Exchange Server client or open the protocol and let someone else do it!  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Office is the most important app(s) you should have on your Mac other than your operating system and Photoshop. Hands down, no competition. Mail? Ha. NeoOffice? ha. Appleworks? Nope. Nothing else. It's the Photoshop of communication productivity apps. Buy it- or die, as P-Diddy would say.  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANCIENTYGER  I'm crazy for cocoa apps.... but i still want this! LOL mostly use Stone Studio's Create and Apple's Keynote.... there's apple works.. but... What replaces excell really well? or Entourage? Still, not worried about Micro$oft making great software... they should... it is a software company... i just want the MacBU at Microsoft to make Cocoa apps! LOL. Imagine Expression as a Cocoa app!  
(Version 11.1.1)

ANTHONY IN VANCOUVER  Can Be Slow to Respond

I am using a new G4 Powerbook, 1.33 GHz clock, 256 MB RAM, and with no simultaneous applications running except for Office 2004 I experience the following:

Word 2004 Mac (version 11.1) is sometimes very slow to perform certain functions: opening documents (even small and new documents can take 5 to 8 seconds); deleting by hitting the Delete key (2 -3 seconds to respond); pasting text into a document (2 -3 seconds to respond); and clicking on toolbar menu items (click on the icon then wait five or six seconds before the pull down menu appears - this only seems to happen the first time after working in the document for a while, clicking on a second menu icon will cause the menu to appear instantly as it should).

Also, and perhaps related, scrolling down the page in Word 2004 by rolling the mouse scroll wheel for what would be a more than 9 or 12 line scroll down command seems to cause this weird wave to roll down the page. It is disorienting because you momentarily lose sight of the page and where you were. Could this be related to the slowness of Word 2004 (or the G4) and an inability to refresh the display quickly. Word 98 Mac did not do this, nor do documents pasted into Apple's TextEdit running on the same machine. All other apps run quickly on the G4.

Other problems include the occasional crash of Word (and loss of all of the document you entered since the last save) for example when selecting Tools > Spelling and Grammar.

Also, it takes too many steps to get to set margins for a document in Word 2004: File > Page Setup > pull down the Settings menu to choose Microsoft Word > click on Margins button. Word 98 was easier with fewer steps.

Other than the above the Office 2004 suite has served me well these past few months. There are many improvements in the Charting functions in Excel 2004.  
(Version 11.1)