I have this code in excel (written in excel 97)

MyFile = Application.GetOpenFilename
Myfile2 = Left(MyFile, Len(MyFile) - 2) & "rat"
ActiveWorkbook.SaveAs filename:=Myfile2,
FileFormat:=xlText

There's a bit more in the middle but that is irrelevant,

the two questions I have a

1) now I have upgraded to XP the left function doesn't
work, what can I use instead? (or what reference do I
need to tick)

2) Not really excel, but how do I do the equivalent in
word? (the getopenfilename doesn't work in word).