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Q134438: PRB: Initializing Spell Checker Error When Running Spellchk

Article: Q134438
Product(s): Microsoft FoxPro
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 15-FEB-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When using the spell checker in Visual FoxPro, the following error can occur:

  error initializing spell checker: problem with state of spell checker module.
  code 142.

CAUSE
=====

Visual FoxPro makes a call to the \Windows\Msapps\Proof directory and uses files
located in that directory to aid in spell checking a document. There is a file
in the Proof directory called Custom.dic that saves customized words that can be
used when spell checking. This is the file that is causing the problem.

RESOLUTION
==========

Remove or rename the Custom.dic file to eliminate the error message. By renaming
the file, some or most of the custom words can be saved and added to a new
file.

If custom words in the Custom.dic file need to be saved, add a few lines at a
time to a new file. Then check to see if they are valid by spell checking a
document in Visual FoxPro. Continue in this way until the error occurs. Then
you'll know which lines to omit.

STATUS
======

Microsoft is researching this behavior and will post new information here in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION
================

As Visual FoxPro spell checks a document, it looks in the Custom.dic file and
uses any custom words contained in it to check against words used in the
document it is spell checking. If there are any unusual characters in this file,
Visual FoxPro displays the error. Other applications, such as Microsoft Word,
operate correctly even though these characters are in the Custom.dic file.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior
---------------------------

1. Using Notepad, open the Custom.dic file located in the \Windows\Msapps\Proof
  directory.

2. Add an ASCII character by holding down the ALT key as you enter 0236 by using
  the numeric keypad. This makes a character that looks like "I" with a dash
  above it.

3. Save the file, and close Notepad.

4. Start Visual FoxPro, and try spell checking a document to see the error
  message.

Additional query words: 3.00 VFoxWin

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbVFPsearch kbAudDeveloper kbVFP300
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0

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