WD98: Add Button Unavailable in the Spelling Dialog Box (193739)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q193739

SYMPTOMS

The Add button in the Spelling dialog box is unavailable (dimmed).

CAUSE

This problem can occur because of one of the following:
  • The Custom Dictionary check box is not selected.
  • The custom dictionary currently being used is read-only or in a read-only directory.
  • The custom dictionary is set for a different language than the document.
  • The custom dictionary is currently open.
  • The custom dictionary does not exist.

RESOLUTION

Resolution 1: The Custom Dictionary Check Box Is Not Selected

To correct this problem, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
  3. Click Dictionaries.
  4. Under Custom Dictionaries, select the Custom Dictionary check box.

Resolution 2: The Custom Dictionary Is Read-Only or in a Read-Only Directory

The default name and location of the custom dictionary are as follows:

Macintosh HD:System Folder:Preferences:Custom Dictionary

If the Custom Dictionary file is read-only, or if the directory that contains it is set to read-only, you cannot add new words to the custom dictionary. Clear the read-only attributes for the file and its subfolder.

Resolution 3: The Custom Dictionary Is Set for a Different Language

To correct this problem, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Preferences.
  2. Click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
  3. Click Dictionaries.
  4. On the Language line under Custom Dictionaries, select the language that the document is set for. The default for this setting is <None>. The language of the document is set by selecting the document and clicking Language on the Tools menu.

Resolution 4: The Custom Dictionary Is Currently Open

The Custom Dictionary file might be open for editing. Word does not allow you to add words to the custom dictionary while it is open. To resolve this issue, close the Custom Dictionary file.

Resolution 5: The Custom Dictionary Does Not Exist

If the Custom Dictionary file is deleted during a session of Word, Add is not available in the Spelling dialog box. Re-create the Custom Dictionary file (saved as a text file) in the correct location, or create one from the Preferences dialog box on the Spelling & Grammar tab. To create a new custom dictionary, follow these steps:
  1. With a Word document open, click Preferences on the Tools menu.
  2. In the Preferences dialog box, click the Spelling & Grammar tab, and then click Dictionaries.
  3. In the Custom Dictionary dialog box, click New.
  4. In the dialog box that appears, click Save.
NOTE: The custom dictionary is automatically saved in the Preferences dialog box, as a speller custom dictionary. However, you can change the name of the dictionary file.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/4/2002
Keywords:kbprb KB193739