Use the Recover Text From Any File option when you open the file:

• On the Tools menu, click Options.
• Click the General tab.
• Make sure the Confirm conversion at Open check box is selected, and then click OK.
• Click Open.
• In the Files of type box, click Recover Text from Any File.
• Open the document as usual. If you don't see Recover Text from Any File in the Files of type box, you need to install the file converter.