WD: How to Convert Word 6.x AutoCorrect Entries to Word 7.0 And 97

This article describes how to convert AutoCorrect entries created in Word 6.x to entries you can use in Word 7.0 and 97.

AutoCorrect entries are stored in the following locations. In Word 6.x, AutoCorrect entries are stored in the Normal.dot file. In contrast, in Word 7.0 and 97, AutoCorrect entries are stored in two locations: the Normal.dot file and the <user name>000.acl (<user name>.acl in Microsoft Word 97) file. Pointers to the AutoCorrect list and settings are stored in the registry. When you upgrade from Word 6.x to Word 7.0 or 97, Word automatically converts the AutoCorrect entries from the Normal.dot file the first time you start Word.

If you are attempting to convert your Word 6.x AutoCorrect entries to Word 7.0, you can use method 1 or 2 later in this article. If you are attempting to convert Word 6.x AutoCorrect entries to Word 97, you can use only method 1. This is because of a limitation in the conversion of the AutoCorrect macro utility when converting it from WordBasic to Visual Basic for Applications.

Remove the Registry Keys and Let Word Convert the ACL File

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


NOTE: This method will convert your Word 6.x AutoCorrect entries to the newer version of Word. The shared AutoCorrect entries in the newer version will remain, but Word-specific AutoCorrect entries will be lost. To convert Word 6.x AutoCorrect entries to Word 7.0, follow these steps:

1. Rename the <username>000.acl file (located in the Windows directory) where <username> is based on your login name.
2. Rename the Word 7.0 Normal.dot file (usually located in the <MSOffice>\Templates folder) and then copy or move the Word 6.0 Normal.dot file from the other computer to this folder.
3. Remove (or export, then remove) the following two registry keys from the registry:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Word\7.0\Data
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft Office\95\AutoCorrect
   					

When you restart Word, it will convert your Word 6.0 AutoCorrect entries to Word 7.0 entries.

To convert Word 6.x AutoCorrect entries to Word 97:

1. Rename the <username>.acl file (located in the Windows directory) where <username> is based on your login name.
2. Rename the Word 97 Normal.dot file (usually located in the <Microsoft Office>\Templates folder) and then copy or move the Word 6.0 Normal.dot file from the other computer to this folder.
3. Remove (or export) the following two registry keys from the Registry.

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\8.0\Word\Data
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\8.0\Common\AutoCorrect
   					

When you restart Word, it will convert your Word 6.0 AutoCorrect entries to Word 97 entries.

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: