"Word Cannot Start the Converter DOSWRD32.CNV" Error Message During Mail Merge Operation (828655)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
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 perform a mail merge operation, you may receive the following error message:
Word cannot start the converter DOSWRD32.CNV

WORKAROUND

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.
To work around this problem, delete any registry keys that refer to DOSWRD32.CNV. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  3. In Registry Editor, on the Edit menu, click Find.
  4. In the Find dialog box, type doswrd32.cnv, and then click Find Next.
  5. Right-click the key that is found, and then click Export.
  6. In the Export Registry File dialog box, type a unique name for the key that you are exporting (for backup purposes), and then click Save.
  7. Right-click the key again, and then click Delete.

    Click Yes to confirm that you want to delete the key.
  8. On the Edit menu, click Find Next.
  9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you receive the following message: Finished searching through the registry.
  10. On the File menu, click Exit to quit Registry Editor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/6/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB828655 kbAudEndUser
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