-199 error when attaching Word file

[mis-jack]

Hi,

We are seeing random instances of "An Unknown error -199 occurred" when
trying to attach a Word file to an Entourage 2004 (latest updates
installed) message. There was a post on the Word group about a year ago
with this same problem. The workaround is to copy all the text of the
file to another document and replace the problem version of the file.
This works for us as well, but the user is frustrated. The MVP
suggested that the Word file was corrupted. The problem has cropped up
on several files.

The strange thing about this is that the files attach properly to Apple
MAIL, Outlook Web Access, and Outlook on a PC. This makes me wonder if
the problem might really be in Entourage, and there is nothing wrong
with the file itself.

What do you think, dear reader? How can I report this to Microsoft?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Barry Wainwright [MVP]]

Hi,

We are seeing random instances of "An Unknown error -199 occurred" when
trying to attach a Word file to an Entourage 2004 (latest updates
installed) message. There was a post on the Word group about a year ago
with this same problem. The workaround is to copy all the text of the
file to another document and replace the problem version of the file.
This works for us as well, but the user is frustrated. The MVP
suggested that the Word file was corrupted. The problem has cropped up
on several files.

The strange thing about this is that the files attach properly to Apple
MAIL, Outlook Web Access, and Outlook on a PC. This makes me wonder if
the problem might really be in Entourage, and there is nothing wrong
with the file itself.

What do you think, dear reader? How can I report this to Microsoft?

Thanks,

Jack

If the trick of copying everything in the word file except the last
paragraph mark allows things to work, this does point to corruption in the
word doc - this technique is a common one for solving document structure
errors. However, I don't see why that should prevent the file from being
attached to Entourage. Entourage does not try to read the contents of the
word doc, it just attaches it as a complete file.

You can report the problem to MS by using the 'send feedback' link in the
Help menu in either word or entourage - after almost two years of going
nowhere, these links are now active again.

 

[mis-jack]

Barry,

In my testing, just typing Command A to select the entire document,
then pasting into a new document, will fix the problem. No need to omit
the last paragraph mark.

The feedback link appears to be oriented to anonymous feedback such as
ideas and suggestions. It doesn't mention bug reports at all. Without a
copy of an example file I don't know if it would be useful but I'll
give it a try.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Barry Wainwright [MVP]]

Barry,

In my testing, just typing Command A to select the entire document,
then pasting into a new document, will fix the problem. No need to omit
the last paragraph mark.

That suggests corruption at disk level, which could explain why the doc
can't be attached.

Try running disk first aid, or something similar.

The feedback link appears to be oriented to anonymous feedback such as
ideas and suggestions. It doesn't mention bug reports at all. Without a
copy of an example file I don't know if it would be useful but I'll
give it a try.

It should take you to this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/default.aspx?pid=feedback&lang=en&app=Entourage

Which is a feedback link for Entourage. They will accept bug reports there,
but don't expect any feedback - as you say, it is an anonymous interface.
(the MacBU people are also often in these newsgroups, so your issues may be
picked up here as well)

 

[mis-jack]

Thanks for your support, Barry. Since the oddities all originate on a
network drive running ExtremeZIP, I've asked the netadmins to consider
running a disk scan. The only problem is that it will take the drive
off-line for a whole day, and it supports a dozen different
departments. Oh, well.

Jack