"OLE server application" error message when you try to use Clip Gallery (262887)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Clip Gallery 5.0 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q262887
Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use an image from the Microsoft Clip Gallery, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following:
Unable to communicate with OLE server application.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the registry entries for Clip Gallery are incomplete or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use Method 1 first. If method 1 does not repair the issue, use Method 2.

Method 1: Remove and Reinstall Clip Gallery

  1. Insert Disc 1 of the Microsoft Office CD-ROM package.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type drive:\setup.exe in the Open box, and then click Run.

    In this example, drive is the name of your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
  3. Click Add or Remove Features.
  4. Expand Office Tools.
  5. Click the icon next to Clip Gallery.
  6. On the shortcut menu, click Not Available.
  7. Click Update Now, and then follow the instructions to complete the removal of Clip Gallery.
  8. Repeat steps 2 through 6.
  9. On the shortcut menu, click Run all from My Computer.
  10. Click Update Now and follow the instructions to complete the installation of Clip Gallery.

Method 2: Delete Clip Gallery Registry Keys

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
  1. Insert Disc 1 of the Microsoft Office CD-ROM package.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type drive:\setup.exe in the Open box, and then click Run.

    In this example, drive is the name of your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
  3. Click Add or Remove Features.
  4. Expand Office Tools.
  5. Click the icon next to Clip Gallery.
  6. On the shortcut menu, click Not Available.
  7. Click Update Now and follow the instructions to complete the removal of Clip Gallery.
  8. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click Run.
  9. Right-click the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\ClipArt Gallery

  10. On the shortcut menu, click Delete.
  11. When the confirmation message appears, click Yes.
  12. Quit Windows, and then turn the power off on your computer.
  13. Restart your computer.
  14. Repeat steps 2 through 6.
  15. On the shortcut menu, click Run all from My Computer.
  16. Click Update Now, and then follow the instructions that appear to complete the installation of Clip Gallery.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/11/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB262887
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