PRB: Initializing Spell Checker Error When Running Spellchk

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0

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.