Spellcheck is missing in Word 97

have tried re-installing Word, with all relevant options checked, to no avail. "Check spelling as you type" and a bunch of other items to do with spelling are greyed out in Word. Nothing under Templates and Add-Ins. I don't get the wavy underlines and no Tools -> Spelling and Grammar. I see only Tools -> Grammar. Anyone? This is bugging me...thanks.

 

musicollector, This should help. Specifically see entry for post#6.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=28949

 

Did that. No luck. I have verified that the DLL file is in that directory - I am looking at. Has been there for weeks over many reboots.

TIA.

 

Sorry.

 

Not a problem. You were only trying to help. If you come across a fix, please advise.Thanks.

 

Check to see if you can locate the default dictionary (CUSTOM.DIC). Also look to see if MSSP232.DLL and MSSP2_EN.DLL are in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof.

 

I know some of the info below has already been previously suggested but rather than edit a running text file I've been pasting into, as time permitted, I just posted this as is.

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Word doesn't mark spelling and grammatical errors with wavy underlines.

On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Spelling & Grammar tab. Select the Check spelling as you type and Check grammar as you type check boxes. Clear the Hide spelling errors in this document and Hide grammatical errors in this document check boxes.
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Uninstall proofing tools make sure after reboot that the proof folder is empty and if any files sure left in that folder rename them and move them. Reinstall proofing tools again. Then....
Make sure the appropriate language dictionary and other proofing tools are stored in the proofing tools folder (usually the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof or C:\Windows\Msapps\Proof folder). These should include:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSHY_EN.LEX
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSSP2_EN.LEX
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSSP232.DLL
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSTH32.DLL
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\msth_am.lex
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\msth_br.lex
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSWDS_EN.LEX
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSCREATE.DIR
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\msgr_en.lex
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSGREN32.DLL
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSHY32.DLL

Some have copied any "custom.dic" found on the had drive into this folder and added the OE related file "CSAPI3T1.DLL" if OE spellcheck issue is also a problem, as mentioned further in my post....
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Options greyed out?....
WD97: Spelling, Grammar Not Available in Word Running on Window 2000 or Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=257643

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Any errors?

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There are additional known problems with word97/spellcheck working in OE but since this problem has not been brought up I won't muddy the water with that topic but will include a link that can be explored if one finds the need. http://michaelstevenstech.com/spellcheck.htm

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http://www.officearticles.com/word/spell_check_doesnt_work_in_microsoft_word.htm

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You may find this useful........
Google has an ms group search dedicated to word spelling and grammar check problems. I tried to pare the filters down for you but you may wish to further do so. Just make sure you keep hitting the "search this group" button next to the type in field for the specified group, otherwise you will wind up searching all groups and can get tens of thousands of hits:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...eck+greyed&qt_g=1&searchnow=Search+this+group

 

The .DIC file is there but the latter are not.

 

Thanks.

 

RESOLVED! Spellcheck is missing in Word 97

Trying the Custom.dic and DLL steps did not resolve this.

Then, an obvious thought struck me (should have been the first one...if all else fails, try the obvious...dah!!)! I just removed Word, cleaned up the registry, and reinstalled Word. Voila! Bingo! Eureka! All is well.

Thanks to everyone for trying to help. Much appreciated.

 

musicollector, Glad to hear you resolved this issue. Thanks for posting the method used.

(Talk about dedication )

 

Ditto...

I was wondering if you ever got this pinned down and found your fix. Thanks a zillion for updating your post... Sorry it took the old "uninstall/reinstall combo ".