Even though all Works word processor files have a .wps filename
extension, the file format of .wps files has changed over the
years, so it would help if you could make an effort to find out
what version of Works was used to create the file.

Word 2002 includes converters that open Works 4 and 5(2000)
files. In Word, when you click on File | Open, you should see
these choices under "Files of type". If you don't see them, then
install the converters from your Word/Office CD by clicking on
Start | Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs | Microsoft Office |
Change.

You can download a Works 6 converter from
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315757 . You can download
older .wps converters from Word MVP Graham Mayor's website
http://www.gmayor.com/downloads.htm (scroll about half-way down
the page to the File Converter Downloads section).

If the .wps file was created with Works 7 or 8, then you'll need
to ask whoever you got the file from to save the file as a Word
(.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) file and give you that instead.

lchapman17 wrote:

I don't know which version of works was used to create the file, but I have
Microsoft Office XP. I downloaded all the converters from the microsoft
website. It opens but only the title is readable, the rest is gibberish