Spelling checker adds extra period to abbreviations in Outlook (195558)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
  • Microsoft Outlook 2002
  • Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q195558

SYMPTOMS

While performing a spelling check on an HTML mail message by using Microsoft Outlook, you notice that certain abbreviations that end with a period have an additional period appended.

CAUSE

This behavior is a result of using the 32-bit dictionary from one of the following products:
  • Microsoft Word 2003 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word 2002 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word 2000 for Windows
  • Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This behavior does not occur in Microsoft Outlook Rich Text, Microsoft Word or Plain Text editor modes.

RESOLUTION

To avoid this behavior, click either Ignore or Ignore All when the spelling checker flags these abbreviations.

As a workaround, add commonly used abbreviations to the custom dictionary.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

When running the spelling checker on a mail message, abbreviations such as "Mr." and "Mrs." will be flagged as misspelled words. If you change the spelling, the spelling checker will add an additional period after the abbreviation. An additional period will be added each time the spelling checker is run.

The following table illustrates the result of the spelling check of abbreviations: 
 Abbreviation      Spell Checker Flagged Word           Result of Change
 ------------      --------------------------           ----------------

   Mr.                       Mr                               Mr..
   Mrs.                      Mrs                              Mrs..


NOTE: The spelling checker flags the letters before the period as a misspelled word. The existing period is ignored. State abbreviations such as N.Y., Wash. and D.C., are not flagged.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/13/2006
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB195558
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