.docx output to support multiple reviewers

[pdenchfield]

I learned that a Flare-produced Word document shared on a SharePoint list does not support multiple reviewers at once. The Word document has to be resaved as .docx.

I thought maybe if I tampered with the Output File setting in my target then the problem would be solved. Nope. I still get the old format, with the false .docx extension.

So wizards, what say you? How can I automate my Flare > Word pipe?

[ChoccieMuffin]

Step away from the Flare/Word swamp, Pam, step away!

I'm sorry I can't offer any assistance, but wanted to warn you that if you DO manage to work it out, it won't be easy and it won't be pretty. So we expect to be sharing your pain as you try.

Very best of luck.

[Nita Beck]

It doesn't sound as if you're tampering at all with your solution. That's exactly what Flare's Help says to do. Check out http://webhelp.madcapsoftware.com/flare ... Output.htm. There is note in the linked topic that says "In order to send output to DOCX via Microsoft Word, you need to have Microsoft Word 2007 installed." I'm guessing you've an even newer version of Word installed so, go figure...

If you're finding that the .docx Flare gives you really isn't a .docx, unfortunately, I'd suspect a bug and I'd contact MadCap to ask "What gives?!"

[pdenchfield]

Thanks, Nita! Bug filed. Details below.

1. Follow steps in Help topic below to output a .docx file from a Word target.
http://webhelp.madcapsoftware.com/flare ... Output.htm
2. Post .docx file on SharePoint document library.
3. Have two people open file for editing at once (via opening in Word).

Expected results:
Concurrent review should be supported because file is .docx.

Actual results:
Concurrent review is not supported. Error received by second reviewer: "word web app cannot open this document for editing because it is currently being edited by another user"

Note:
Saving the Flare-generated Word file as .docx again from within Word 2013 updates the format as indicated by messages from Word, and then concurrent review is supported.

[pdenchfield]

Following is the feedback from Tech Support at MadCap.

Flare does not actually output a *.docx file type. When changing the output file name, Flare essentially just changes the file extension to *.docx. This is the intended functionality.

Currently, the functionality to output actual *.docx files is unavailable and would be a feature suggestion.

The feature request (#93504) has been submitted on your behalf to our Product Managers who work with our Research and Development team regarding future versions of our products. You will be notified via E-mail if this feature is included in a future release version.

The workaround would be to save the file as an actual docx file then proceed with concurrent editing.