WD98: Possible Conflicts with MathType 3.5 (183640)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q183640

SYMPTOMS

When using MathType 3.5 with Word 98 Macintosh Edition, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Visual Basic - Compile Error: Out of memory
This problem occurs when you attempt to install the "MathType Commands for Word" or when you open a new or existing document in Word 98.

You may also notice that "MathType Equation" no longer appears in the Object Type list in the Insert Object dialog box.

CAUSE

The MathType commands for word are written for Word 6.0, which uses the WordBasic macro language. Word 98 uses Visual Basic for Applications. The WordBasic macros do not function correctly in Word 98 Macintosh Edition.

RESOLUTION

Unfortunately, there is no way to get the Word 6.0 macros to function properly within Word 98. Before you can insert MathType objects into Microsoft Word 98, you need to do the following:
  • Restore the Word 98 default settings by restoring the Normal template.

    -and-
  • Create a macro to start MathType (you can place this macro on a toolbar button in Word 98).

Restoring the Normal Template

To restore the default Normal template, follow these steps:
  1. Close any open Microsoft Office programs.
  2. In the Finder, locate folder where you installed Microsoft Office.
  3. Open the Microsoft Office:Templates folder.
  4. Locate and rename the Normal file to "Old Normal."
  5. Start Word 98 Macintosh Edition.
When Word 98 starts, it detects that the Normal template no longer exists (because you renamed it in step 4), and it automatically creates a new Normal template. Because this is a new template, Word 98 applies the default settings to the template.

With the new template in place, you no longer see the Visual Basic error and, as a result, the objects in existing documents appear as expected.

Creating a Macro to Start MathType

Instructions about how to do this are available on following MathType Web site:

http://www.mathtype.com/support/TSN/TSN63.stm

At the MathType Web site, follow instructions under "Creating a macro to Launch MathType" and "Placing a Button on the Toolbar to Launch MathType."

NOTE: This page also tells you how to designate MathType as the default equation editor.

STATUS

This problem occurs when you use Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition and MathType 3.5.

Design Science plans to release an updated version of MathType that will have Word 98-compatible commands. If you are a registered MathType user, you will be notified when this version becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

MathType is a third-party add-in that replaces the functionality of the Equation Editor. There are some known issues with using MathType version 3.5 or earlier with Word 98. For additional information about MathType please see the following Web page:

http://www.mathtype.com/

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.

REFERENCES

Technical Notice #63 - Design Science MathType Web Site 
   Using MathType 3.5 and earlier with Word 98 (Macintosh)
   Created: 03/16/98 - Revised by: Sean Shrum
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/4/2002
Keywords:kb3rdparty kbprb KB183640
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.