OFF2000: Cannot Insert or Preview CGM Files While Logged in as User or Guest on Windows NT 4.0

If you insert a Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) into any Microsoft Office application on Windows NT 4.0, the graphic may not insert properly. Specifically, the graphic may import as a white square, a black square, or may not insert at all. The graphic may not preview properly, either.

If you are logged-in as a User, a Guest, or another type of customized user account, this error may occur. The CGM filter attempts to open a registry key with Read/Write privileges, and this key is locked by default on these accounts.

To resolve this issue, you must log-in as the Administrator of the local machine, and change the registry permissions for the CGM import filter key.

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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.

1. Log-in with Administrative privileges.
2. On the Windows Start menu, click Run. In the Open box, type regedt32, and click OK.
3. Locate the following key in the registry.
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Graphics Filters\Import\CGM
   
   Click to select this key.
4. On the Security menu, click Permissions.
5. Click Everyone, then select Full Control in the Type of Access list.
6. Click OK, and exit Registry Editor.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Office version 2000 for Windows NT 4.0.