There seems to be a spell checker issue in Word where the following error is reported.
On my Mac, this happens most often when I open a file that did not originate from MS Word 2011. If I create a document in MS Word 2011, and leave spell and grammar checks enabled for “as you type” (see below on how to disable this), then I do not get an error.
If you do not disable the options below, then as at the date of this page this error will recur and you will need to shut down the application (force quit).
Disable the ‘as you type’ options
First, in Word select Word >> Preferences and the following window will appear.
Select ‘Spelling and Grammer’
Select Spelling and Grammar preferences
Next, deselect “check spelling as you type” and “check grammar as you type” options (see image below).
Disable the 'as you type' options
Once this is done you should be able to open the document that originated in OpenOffice or any other compatible programme without the pop up warning appearing.
Please note, however, that this pop-up will re-occur if you do a spelling and/or grammar check.
“Repair” a Document
If you want to be able to re-enable the ‘as you type’ options above, you may want to try the steps below, as these have worked for me. However this does not assist with compatibility of Word documents between OpenOffice.org and MS Office.
First, save the document as a docx file.
Then select all the text in the document (Command-A).
Next select Tools >> Language, and select one language for the entire document.
Select one language for all the text
Save the document.
To test if this has worked, try performing a spell check. If that executes successfully, then you can turn on the ‘as you type’ features.
Please note, however, if you open any other documents that didn’t originate in Word 2011, then you may have to perform all the above steps again.
Good luck and I hope this solves some issues.
Well written, I just provided this link to our customers, solved the issue perfectly.
I’m really glad this could help. That’s what this site is for.
Thank you so much, I went to system preferences rapidly before the error message appeared as you said and followed your instructions. This really helped me thank you!!!!
My spelling & grammar icon is greyed out so I cannot access the menu. How do I un-grey the icon?
In your post you said:
Please note, however, if you open any other documents that didn’t originate in Word 2011, then you may have to perform all the above steps again.
I found a work around, because thousands of my documents originated in an earlier version of Word, and following the above procedure is not feasible every time I open a document created in an earlier version of Word.
I created a macros and named it AutoOpen the code i used is below. This automatically sets the autocheck to english when a document is opened.
Sub AutoOpen()
‘
‘ AutoOpen Macro
‘
‘
Dim doc As Word.Document
Set doc = ActiveDocument
Application.ResetIgnoreAll
ActiveDocument.SpellingChecked = False
ActiveDocument.GrammarChecked = False
doc.Range.LanguageID = wdEnglishUS
doc.Range.NoProofing = False
End Sub
Wow – thank you for including this. Very, very useful!
But when the error is reported, we are not allowed to go to word>>preferences. So how to solve this problem? Thank you.
Try doing this on a blank, new document immediately after opening. It usually occurs when you open older documents in Office.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH! SAVED MY LIFE. immediately is the key everyone.
Preference is grey even if I Force Quit the same file reopens. Pl help
unfortunately, the spelling grammar feature is not turned on and no matter what I do it won’t turn on.
I have added a comment further down this page in response to Dina. Please refer to the link provided there, as the latest service pack should assist in resolving this error. Be sure to turn off your Mac, and NOT just reboot.
When i open word, the error comes up but i cant select words then preferences because it wont let me click anything else than ok, when i click ok, in a split second the error comes up again, i cant even force quit the programme.
Please Help.
James
@James, @ Eve and @Vanla – have you tried starting from a blank document? I found that every time I opened an existing document, all the errors would start again.
This really helped. You rock! Thanks
@Neha – thanks for the feedback. It’s good to know that I’ve helped.
You’re a lifesaver! Thank you so much!
You are most welcome. Thanks for letting me know that I’ve been of assistance. That’s what this blog is for!
Thanks for the suggestions but I can’t get to Word Preferences. When i open Word, the error pops up immediately and I cannot even open a new blank document. HELP! This trouble started when I tried to review a document on our SharePoint site last week, and since then, every time I open Word its is stuck on that document with the error popping up. I feel like I am doomed at this point!
Some people have reported that they need to install the latest service pack update for MS Office/Word for Mac. They then shut down completely (NOT reboot), and then turn on their Mac again (I usually suggest waiting 2-3 mins before turning on). Let me know if this helps you. Mac MS Office updates can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads
Every time I open the file with chinese and english text its always a problem.
Your tips are very useful, it helps a lot. Really works! Thank you so much.
Hi Casar – I’m glad I could help.
I,ve been having this problem, but now it is solved. That,s because of your tips. Thanks alot. God bless you.
Thank you very much! Your instructions are clear and very precise. Finally, overcoming my nightmare especially file is attached to an urgent email. This is the first time i am encountering this problem. Tried to do software update but it doesnt seem to help.
Worked a treat! MANY THANKS
Excellent solution. It works for me. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your post it was very helpful!!!
OH MY GOD THANK YOU. THIS WAS KILLING ME FOR SO LONG
you are a star thank you and poo bah to microsoft for glitchy software