WD2000: Add Button Unavailable in the Spelling Dialog Box (211188)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q211188

SYMPTOMS

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

CAUSE

This behavior may occur if any one of the following conditions is true:
  • The Custom dictionary check box is not selected.
  • The custom dictionary currently being used is read-only or is in a read-only folder.
  • The custom dictionary is set for a language different from the language of 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 select the Custom Dictionary check box, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  2. Click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
  3. Click Dictionaries.
  4. Under Custom dictionaries, click to select the CUSTOM.DIC check box. Click OK twice.

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

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

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\Custom.dic

If the Custom.dic file is read-only or if the Proof subfolder 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: Custom Dictionary Is Set for a Different Language

To change the language for the custom dictionary, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  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 by clicking Language on the Tools menu.

Resolution 4: The Custom Dictionary Is Currently Open.

The Custom.dic file may be open for editing. You cannot add words to the custom dictionary while the custom dictionary is open.

Resolution 5: The Custom Dictionary Does Not Exist.

If the Custom.dic file has been deleted during the session of Word, the Add button will not be available in the Spelling dialog box. Either re-create the Custom.dic file (saved as a text file) in the proper location, or restart Word. When Word is restarted, it will detect that there is no Custom.dic file, and Word will prompt you to create one when you attempt to add a word to the Custom.dic file.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/6/2000
Keywords:kbprb KB211188
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