are there limits in inserted objects?

[Suzanne.Marion]

I've tried a couple different things recently, and both give me an error.
I'm using Word 2003 SP1 (11.6502.6360)

1. Trying to insert a wmf file, (Insert > Object > create from file >
display as icon) about 40mb, hangs forever, then gives me an error, "word is
waiting for another application to complete an OLE action". I understand
this is a memory limitation, but is this explained anywhere? Is there a set
size limit for embedded objects?

2. Try a weird file type (unique 3rd party software, but the file type IS
registered in windows), and get this error, "Object packager: access to the
specified device, path or file is denied." and then "This object was created
in Package. this application is not available to open this object. make sure
the application is properly installed and that it has not been deleted,
moved, or renamed."

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Unless you have some specific reason for inserting this picture as an OLE
object, the usual way to insert pictures is Insert | Picture | From File.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

Actually, I was using WMF as an example. I was trying to figure out if there
is a set limit, or documentation that would explain what can be inserted as
an object. I have a customer that is inserting a proprietary file into word,
and gets the same error. I tried it with an wmf file and I got the same
error.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

I get the same error with a .zip file.

Unless you have some specific reason for inserting this picture as an OLE
object, the usual way to insert pictures is Insert | Picture | From File.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

ZIP files can be neither opened nor inserted in Word. You must unzip them
first.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

That doesn't seem right. I can insert one if it's less than 20mb. it's only
when the file goes over that that I get the OLE error. and if the file is
larger than 20mb, it's any file type that I can find (other than office).
I've tried zip, wmf, pst, pretty much all do the same thing.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

BTW, I REALLY appreciate your help. If I could just find an article or
something from Microsoft that says "you can't embed files over 20MB" I would
be so happy.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You might want to see "Operating parameter limitations and specifications in
Word" at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=211489. I don't see any limits
on embedded objects.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

I don't see one either. Can you suggest anything else that might help? I've
tried on three different computers, all give the same error.

I suppose I'll have to open a case with Microsoft support, but I hate to do
that...

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

What I believe there is a limit to is the type of file from which Word can
create an OLE object. But I am not at all knowledgeable about this, and it's
possible someone else would know more.

I've been looking for any kind of KB article about OLE objects that might
conceivably be relevant and so far haven't found anything (I couldn't find
any articles that referred to either of your error messages). The only thing
I found that looked even moderately promising was a Word 97 article
suggesting running Setup with the /y switch to repair the OLE files. The
equivalent in Word 2003 would be Help | Detect and Repair.

 

[Suzanne.Marion]

Thank you so much for your work on this. The only reason I am concerned is
that it's the same behavior across three different computers, and is the same
with any file. Makes me think it's a limitation of the software.

I should have told you that I already scoured the knowledge base and the
internet before posting here. Don't worry about it anymore, I'll go ahead
and create a case for Microsoft support.

-Suzanne