hi!
any ideas on how to convert wordstar files to something current?

Here is some info that might help.
http://www.wordstar.org/wordstar/pages/convert_faq.htm

I do not know if openoffice writer can import wordstar files.

It can't because it doesn't include import/export filters - you'll need Star Office, which does include these extras.

Alternatively, if you've got dosemu running, there are numerous DOS based converters, including Star Exchange should you still have WordStar 5-7 or 2000 kicking around; or if you've got wine, you could try one of the Windows based converters such as the HABiT WordStar Converter. These converters are all available from that conversion FAQ.

Mike

It's late but I'll leave this here for future reference:

I was able to compile WSRTF from wordstar.org with little modifications. Here's how to:

1) Download and unzip WSRTF.ZIP from the above page.
2) Open WSRTF.C with a text editor and add the word "int" at the beginning of lines 48, 64 and 112. Here are the resulting lines 48, 64 and 112:
int jumpOut() {
int jumpLine() {
int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
3) Build it, with the following command:
gcc -o wsrtf WSRTF.c
It will give some warnings, but stil compile.
4) Convert your files using the wsrtf command.

Hope it helps.

Why wouldn't you want to just keep running WordStar? Best dammed word-processor ever made.