WD97: Batch Conversion Macro Causes Error Converting File

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When using the StartConversionWizard (formerly called BatchConversion) supplied with Microsoft Word, you may receive the following error message:

   Converter Error

   Word cannot complete the conversion of this file--<filename>.
   Would you like to continue with the batch conversion?

CAUSE

This error message may occur in either of the following cases.

Case 1: Same Format Converting From and To

This error message will appear if the format of the document selected for conversion is the same as the format you are converting to.

For example, this problem will occur under the following conditions:

• You are converting from WordPerfect 5.1 to Word 97.

  -and-

• A Word 97 file exists in the batch of files you have selected for conversion.

Case 2: Insufficient Disk Space

This problem may occur when the StartConversionWizard source folder is set to a drive that has insufficient disk space, regardless of whether the destination folder is set to a different drive that has plenty of available disk space.

When there is insufficient disk space available on the drive containing the source folder, Microsoft Word does cannot create temporary files; therefore, Word is unable to complete the conversion of any of the remaining files.

Case 3: Files with Numerical Names

Sometimes this message is followed by the same error message again once or even twice, but instead of the file's extension appearing in the error message, the extension specified in the error message is ".." (without the quotes).

Word will randomly save some but not all of the the files after they have been converted. For example if six files were chosen to convert, Word may only save 1, 2 or 3 of the files or none at all after the Conversion Wizard is finished converting. The files not saved will remain open on the screen in Word and can be saved manually.

This occurs if the filenames of the files being converted begin with a numerical character, such as:

03604.doc 1212.01 444.555 1.doc 0003.xx

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the methods appropriate for the type of problem you are having.

Case 1: Same Format Converting From and To

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Select Documents with a Format Other Than the "Convert To" Format:

In the File Selection area of the Batch Conversion Wizard dialog box, do not select documents for conversion whose file type matches the conversion type. For example, if you are converting from WordPerfect 5.1 to Word 97 document format, do not select a Word 97 document for conversion to Word 97 format.

Method 2: Move Documents of Same File Type to Another Location:

Move the documents having the same file format as the "convert to" type to a different directory or folder prior to running the Batch Conversion Wizard. For example, if you are converting documents to Word 97, move any Word 97 documents out of the folder before running the conversion macro.

Method 3: Run the Batch Conversion and Ignore the Error Message:

All files whose format differs from the format you are converting to will be converted properly.

Case 2: Insufficient Disk Space

Make sure there is enough disk space available on the drive where the source folder is located, or, move the files that need to be converted to another drive that has more available disk space. The amount of space needed depends on the number and size of the files you are converting.

Case 3: Files with Numerical Names

Rename the documents with alpha characters for filenames instead of numeric characters. The file extension can remain numerical.

STATUS

We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on how to access this macro, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q162490
   TITLE     :WD97: How to Access Sample Macros for Word 97

1. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and click Macros.

2. Click StartConversionWizard and click Run.