"Invalid Measurement" Error Using Letter Wizard

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you create a letter using the Letter Wizard (LETTER.WIZ), the following error may occur after you choose the Finish button, and Word for Windows does not create a letter:

   Microsoft Word Err=1051
   This is not a valid measurement.

CAUSE

This error occurs if you type an invalid or non-numeric value when the Letter Wizard asked you how much space the letterhead design requires. (The wizard prompts you for this information only if you select the Letterhead Stationery option when the Letter Wizard asks which type of paper you will print the letter on.)

The error message is confusing because it does not occur immediately after you type the incorrect value; instead it occurs after you choose the Finish button at the end of the wizard.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 6.0 and 6.0a for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

Word cancels the letter creation operation after this error occurs, so you must run the Letter Wizard again to create your letter. Be sure to type a valid measurement when the wizard asks you how much space the letterhead design requires. The following are sample valid and invalid entries:

   Valid (correct)      Invalid (incorrect)
   ---------------      -------------------
   2"                   2 in.
   5                    five
   4.25                 4 1/4
   3.25"                3.25 inches

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word Quick Results," version 6.0, pages 49, 90, 96, 123-126