About the read only. As we read http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=291288 it is clear that the read-only open is still in there, but not a menu item. Just like in Excel 97, you can edit the File Open menu to offer a read-only option. It's slightly advanced and your IT staff should be able to help you write the needed code and click the mouse proper.

I will not defend MS over removing such items, but they do give a way to put such back in.

Bob