Squares are displayed instead of symbols in the "Insert Symbol" dialog box in Word (290985)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Word 2003
  • Microsoft Word 2002
  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q290985
For a Microsoft Word 97 version of this article, see 163306.

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word, when you click Symbol on the Insert menu, the symbols in the dialog box are displayed as square boxes rather than symbols, although the symbols seem to function correctly and are displayed as expected in WordPad.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if any of the following video drivers are installed on your computer:

Advanced Logic 2301 PCI
Alliance Semiconductor V4.1.19
Chips and Technology 4.0
Cirrus Logic 1748 1.33 PCI
Cirrus Logic 7548 1.30 PCI
Cirrus Logic 7548 1.32a PCI v.4.0
Cirrus Logic 7548 1.35
Cirrus Logic 7548 1.40
Cirrus Logic 7543 2.3 PCI v.4.0
Compaq Deskpro 2000 using S3 V2 /GX PCI
Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 series v4.02.020
Diamond Stealth 3D 3000
Fujitsu Laptop Lifebook Model
IBM Think Pad 760C, 365ED
Matrox Millennium
Neomagic Magicgraph 128 PCI
S3 64 PCI
S3 86CM65 4.0
S3 Aurora 64v+ 4.3.0.2105
S3 Trio
S3 Trio 64V Plus
STB Vision
Trident 9660/9680/938X Linear Acceleration PCI 3.01.09
Trident CXI/TGUI 9440
Trident TGUI9400
Viper VLB
Western Digital 4.0
WindPortrait Cirrus Logic Driver 4.0

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use any of the following methods:
  • Switch to the standard VGA or super VGA driver.
  • Change the resolution or number of display colors.
  • Contact the manufacturer for an updated driver
  • Follow these steps to change the Hardware Acceleration option to None:

    NOTE: Microsoft has not tested the following workaround and therefore cannot guarantee its results:
    1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
    2. Double-click the System icon.
    3. Click the Performance tab.
    4. Click Graphics.
    5. Change the Hardware Acceleration setting to None, and then click OK.
    6. Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
For information about how to contact the manufacturers of the video drivers listed in the "Cause" section of this article, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

65416 Hardware and software vendor contact information, A-K

60781 Hardware and software vendor contact information, L-P

60782 Hardware and software vendor contact information, Q-Z

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/27/2006
Keywords:kbnofix kbprb KB290985
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