OFF97: Error Messages When You Attempt to Run the Spelling Checker

When you attempt to run the spelling checker in any of the Microsoft Office programs listed at the beginning of this article, you may receive one of following error messages:

This behavior can occur if any of the following conditions are true:

• The MSSP232.DLL or MSSP2_EN.DLL file is absent from your computer.
  
  -or-
• The MSSP232.DLL or MSSP2_EN.DLL file has become damaged (corrupted).
  
  -or-
• The registry does not point to the correct location of MSSP232.DLL and MSSP2_EN.DLL.

To resolve this issue, use one or both of the following methods, as needed, in the order presented.

Method 1: Replace the Damaged or Missing Files

To replace damaged or missing files, follow these steps:

1. Use Windows Explorer to locate and then select the following folder:
   C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof
2. If the MSSP232.DLL and MSSP2_EN.DLL files are present, rename them as MSSP232.OLD and MSSP2_EN.OLD, respectively.
3. Locate and open the following folder on your Microsoft Office 97 CD-ROM:
   CD-ROM drive:\OS\MSApps\Proof
4. Copy the MSSP232.DLL and MSSP2_EN.DLL files to the folder that you opened in step 1.

NOTE: If these steps do not resolve the issue, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Update Your Registry Settings

To update your registry settings, follow these steps.

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. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then press ENTER.
3. Locate and select the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Proofing Tools\Spelling\1033\Normal
4. Double-click Dictionary, make sure that its Value data contains the correct path to MSSP2_EN.LEX, and then click OK.
   
   NOTE: The default path is C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSSP2_EN.LEX.
5. Double-click Engine, make sure that its Value data contains the correct path to MSSP232.DLL, and then click OK.
   
   NOTE: The default path is C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\MSSP232.DLL.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart your computer.

For additional information about a similar spelling checker issue, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: