WD: AutoCorrect Feature Limitations (180165)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word 2000
  • Microsoft Word 2002
This article was previously published under Q180165

SYMPTOMS

If you enter a large number of AutoCorrect entries (for example, 7000 entries), you may receive an "Out of Memory" or other memory error.

CAUSE

AutoCorrect entries are stored in an index file attached to the Normal.dot file, and use a minimum of 4 bytes per entry. Because the AutoCorrect feature uses the 64K local memory heap allocated to Word, inserting large numbers of AutoCorrect entries may result in an "Out of memory" error message. For example, when you create 7000 AutoCorrect entries, you use approximately 28K of memory--almost half the available local memory. This could also result in other memory-related error messages because the local memory is used by several other operations.

MORE INFORMATION

The AutoCorrect feature automatically corrects common typing mistakes as you work. For example, if you type "adn," AutoCorrect replaces it with "and" as soon as you press the SPACEBAR.

You can also use AutoCorrect to quickly insert words or phrases that are long or difficult to type. For example, use AutoCorrect to automatically replace "FYI" with "For Your Information." AutoCorrect entries are stored in the Ms097.acl file.

The operating limits of the AutoCorrect feature for Microsoft Word are listed in the following table. 
   Feature                                  Limit
   ---------------------------------------------------------

   Maximum number of AutoCorrect entries    Limited to
                                            memory/hard disk
                                            space

   Maximum number of characters as a        255
   plain text entry

   Maximum number of characters as a        Unlimited
   formatted entry

   Maximum number of characters stored as   31
   Replace text
NOTE: In Protected Mode, AutoCorrect entries which are plain text are available for selection. However, AutoCorrect entries which are formatted text will not work in Protected Mode (for example, form fields).
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/10/2002
Keywords:kbautotext kbprb KB180165
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.