I got a question about using Word Processor on OpenOffice.org 2.3
 

I noticed that sometimes when I make tables, the columns of different rows don't match up exactly. The data just don't look like it's in line like it should be. Anybody else have this problem? I notice that it only happens when I use a microsoft word doc file and open it with word processor in openoffice. The words in the table don't look like they're in line with the other words in the other rows and columns. Why is this? Even if you keep the .doc format, it still messes up. Does it have anything to do from opening a .doc file from the ntfs file system in linux openoffice, which is a ext2 file system?

The underlying filesystem won't have an effect on the document itself, what is probably happening is an error in the conversion/reading process, or perhaps an issue with original setting fonts used in the documents being used in linux on OpenOffice, like unavailable fonts, etc....

Would it be better if I made the document from scratch in openoffice word processor, then saved it as a .doc ? Then later when I run winxp and use microsoft word, would I have that issue? I'm sure it's the conversion too that messed it up. You think the conversion from linux to winxp, from .doc to .doc would mess it up?

Well I can't say if the conversion of a saved OpenOffice document as a .doc file in MS WORD itself won't offer its own headaches. But I would try it and see if the formatting stays the same when opened in MS word, then make a change save it again and reopen it with OpenOffice and see if Word mucked things up. If things are not mucked up you have found a viable solution.