Excel: Can't Use Spelling Tool If Custom Dictionary Corrupted

 Last reviewed: August 21, 1996
Article ID: Q88587

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel for Windows, if the Custom Dictionary file (CUSTOM.DIC) has become corrupted, when you choose the Spelling command, either of the following may occur:

  • The hourglass is displayed and then disappears, but the Spelling tool is not started.

    -or-

  • You receive the error message "Cannot read custom dictionary."

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, delete or rename the CUSTOM.DIC file (this file is located in the MSAPPS\PROOF subdirectory of your WINDOWS directory). You will be prompted to re-create the CUSTOM.DIC file the first time you run the Spelling tool in Microsoft Excel. After you delete or rename the file, the Spelling tool works correctly.

REFERENCES

"User's Guide 1," version 4.0, pages 257-259

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.0 4.00 5.0 5.00 spell hang hour glass
away check fail fails checker spell

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1996
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