OFFXP: Computer Stops Responding When the Drawing Canvas Is Used (314484)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002
  • Microsoft Publisher 2002
  • the operating system: Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

This article was previously published under Q314484

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to insert an object that uses the drawing canvas -- such as a text box, a new drawing, or an AutoShape -- into a Microsoft Word document or a Microsoft Publisher publication, your computer may stop responding (hang).

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if both of the following conditions are true:
  • A corrupted or out-of-date video driver is installed on your computer.

    -and-
  • You are using a Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)-based computer.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, update the video driver. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer of your video adapter.
  2. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  3. In Control Panel, double-click System.
  4. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.
  5. In the list of devices, double-click Display adapters to expand the directory tree.
  6. Click the display adapter that you are using, and then click Properties.
  7. In the Properties dialog box for your video display adapter, click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.
  8. In the Update Device Driver Wizard, click Specify the location of the driver (Advanced), and then click Next.
  9. In the second step of the wizard, click to select the Specify a location check box, and then click Browse. Select the folder in which you saved the new driver, and then click OK. Click Next.
  10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the updated video driver.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, disable the drawing canvas in Word.

To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the General tab.
  2. Under General options, click to clear the Automatically create drawing canvas when inserting AutoShapes check box, and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

The behavior described in the "Symptoms" section of this article is known to occur with the following video adapter:
  • ProSavage, by S3 Graphics, Inc.

    To download the latest ProSavage drivers, browse to the following S3 Graphics Web site click Products, and then click Integrated Desktop.
Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/6/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB314484