can't change default application - from Word 2011 back to 2008

I've been running Word:Mac 2011 recently - I'm very disappointed with it, so I no longer want it as the default for opening Word files. I've attempted a few times now to change the default back to Word:Mac 2008, but every time I re-start my computer Word 2011 hijacks the Word files.

I've gone through the Get Info pane, and Open With section, and clicked Change All.

I'm running Mountain Lion on a MacBook Pro mid 2009, with 8GB RAM.

Anyone out there had a similar problem? Am I just going to have to ditch 2011 entirely to get 2008 to become the default again?

How to completely uninstall Office 2011 = Microsoft Instructions

The reason I supplied the above is because that's probably the only way you're going to be able to return to Word 2008 as long as Word 2011 is installed. Also, you may wind up having to reinstall Office 2008 as some of the files that will be removed may impact Office 2008.

Having said all that, what is it about Word 2011 that you don't like? I find it heads above Word 2008 in almost every way. If you don't like the Word 2011 Ribbon (many folks don't like it) it can easily be turned off. Word 2011 includes macro support and services support both of which Word 2008 does not.

ditched Word:Mac 2011

Hlo! Thank you for that.

Yes, that's exactly what I've done ... I've ditched 2011 and gone back to 2008.

I've written a negative review about it here, which explains my problems with it ... and it seems I'm not alone ...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003YCOJBM/

I now remember your previous post regarding the text boxes in publishing mode. As I told you previously in that thread, I don't use Word in publishing mode. I use iStudio Publisher which is a superb application that comes from your home (UK).

Just be careful removing Office 2011 so that you don't accidentally remove files needed by Office 2008.

Hlo!

I'm actually going to try out QuarkXPres, recently got hold of a copy at a knock-down price.

Thank you for the warning about getting rid of 2011.

I actually stripped off everything to do with Office, 2008 and 2011, and then I went way back in Time Machine and restored Office for Mac 2008. Everything now seems to be fine ... or am I perhaps missing something ... ?

Restoring with Time Machine was a good idea. Everything should be OK. I hope you like QuarkXPress, it's a powerful desktop publishing program. Overkill for my needs and a bit pricey. iStudio Publisher was only $17.99.