You receive the "Publisher cannot open the file" error message when you use Publisher 2002 or Publisher 2003 to open a file from an earlier version of Publisher

When you use Publisher 2002 or Publisher 2003 to open a file from an earlier version of Publisher, you may receive the following error message: Then, Publisher remains open but the file does not load.

This issue occurs if Norton AntiVirus 2002 or Norton AntiVirus 2003 is installed on your computer. When Publisher 2002 or Publisher 2003 opens a publication from an earlier version of Publisher, the program tries to convert the earlier publication into a Publisher 2002 or into a Publisher 2003 file. As part of this process, Publisher 2002 or Publisher 2003 validates all the OLE objects in the publication. However, Norton AntiVirus 2002 and Norton AntiVirus 2003 prevent Publisher from communicating with the OLE32 Server to update the OLE objects.

To work around this issue, visit the following Symantec Web site, and then apply the solution presented for a similar issue involving Norton AntiVirus 2000 and later.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.