How can I search and replace in (multiple) word files?

Question

I am looking for a way to do search and replace (for free) in many word (.doc) files. (for the purpose of automation of the process)

The softwares I found so far allows me to search but not replace.

Any suggestions ?

Microsoft Word allows you to search and replace in Microsoft Word files.
@tas: I'd assume it's for some sort of automation. In which case doing a S&R manually on a few thousand files quickly gets boring, I think.
Yes, I imagine it would be for automation too. Except he doesn't ask for that.
I wrote "files" - in the sense of multiple files - I'll correct it :)

jay · Answer 1 · 2010-05-12 10:22:21Z

up vote 1 down vote accepted

answered May 12 '10 at 10:22

jay
1,618621

This looks just like what I wanted - You rock! – Tal Galili May 13 '10 at 11:52

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tombull89 · Answer 2 · 2010-05-12 10:40:30Z

up vote 0 down vote

Word 2003 or 2007? Or 2010 Beta? Replacing font formatiing, words?

answered May 12 '10 at 10:40

tombull89
4,1621716

	Word 2003 is what I have – Tal Galili May 12 '10 at 10:41
	This would only help for working on a single file... – Tal Galili May 13 '10 at 11:53
	didn't realise it was for multiple word documents, sorry. – tombull89 May 13 '10 at 14:42

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Sherman · Answer 3 · 2010-05-12 10:42:47Z

up vote 0 down vote

Can't it be done in Microsoft Word itself?

Its in your Edit menu (Word 2003) or Home tab/Editing section (Word 2007)

answered May 12 '10 at 10:42

Just saw your comment on tombull89's post. For word 2003, you can follow these instructions: office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051894331033.aspx – Sherman May 12 '10 at 10:43

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Doug Harris · Answer 4 · 2010-05-12 13:56:16Z

If you don't own Microsoft Word and are looking for a free alternative which will help you, try OpenOffice.org.

I don't think this will help you if you're looking for a way to automate this process.

4 Answers