Can't save Word2004 files w/ Picture Clippings ("Disk full" error mess.)

[CGF]

I got a "Disk full can't write to this drive " message when I try to
save some Word2004 files I just received for an editing project. (But
this didn't happen with any other word docs). I have a 17" iMAC G4 desk
model 1.25 MHZ with 256 RAM, System 10.3.9. When I took it into my MAC
doctor yesterday, he said my hard drive was probably fragmented, and
that also getting more RAM was a good idea. So I left it there.

Then, I got a loaner almost exactly like mine from a friend of mine,
and these particular files still couldn't be re-saved, and the same
"Disk full" message came up! So it looks like it's the files that are
the problem. They are in a Statistics book and have imported "Picture
Clippings" (like .tiff, I guess) math equations. And when I deleted the
equations from one file, then I was able to save the file with no
problem.

The files come from a PC source, but I've never had any translation
problems with WORD2004, and I have the latest update installed. On the
other hand, I've never had Picture Clippings in the files, either.
Usually all graphics types materials are separate from the Word text
files.

Any ideas? Is there some kind of translator program that might fix
this?

What's the best type/size/company for additional RAM modules. Should I
get the maximum?

 

[CyberTaz]

Hello -

Afraid I don't have an answer to your dilemma, but here are a few thoughts;

Disk Full errors are far less common in Word 2004 than previous versions,
but so is fragmentation in OS X. I doubt that is the cause. What you don't
mention is what capacity your HD is & how much *free space* is available -
that 'could' be an issue.

More RAM is **definitely** called for even if it doesn't address this
particular issue. With only 256 MB I'm surprised you haven't run into other
problems before now. I heartily recommend going to at least 512, 1 GB if you
can. You should notice an overall performance boost. It could also be
related to the issue of disk space, because more of the HD gets claimed for
Virtual Memory/caching/whatever if there isn't enough of the real thing to
support the OS & software.

As to the specific issue, it sounds like you've already narrowed it down. If
the files were created in PC Word it sounds like a matter of whatever these
"Picture Clippings" are that is causing the error. Your experience with Word
files is valid, but a Word file can contain elements which are compatible on
one platform but anywhere from problematic to poisonous on the other. (BTW -
What are the file sizes of these docs?)

As long as you can open the files you might first try copying one of the
'pictures' & using Edit>Paste or Paste Special to see if Word/OS X will
make the conversion for you.

If that doesn't work, you might try Ctrl+Clicking one of these equation
pictures (hopefully that's what they are), then select Save As Picture from
the shortcut menu if its available. If so, save it as a PICT file, delete
the original image from your doc, then use Insert>Picture>From File to bring
in the new version.

If that isn't available & you have a copy of GraphicConverter (can't
remember if it was bundled with 10.3), try dragging one of the equation
objects to the Desktop, then see if GC will open & convert the file, which
you can then insert into the doc.

Should none of the above resolve it, come back & let us know. In fact, if
either suggestion works I'd appreciate feedback as to which one.

 

[Michel Bintener]

Hi,

in addition to Bob's always useful comments: I experienced the "disk full"
error some time ago, also with a document that I got from a WinWord user.
After some testing, I found out that the file itself was corrupt, and all
the standard procedures could not fix it (saving it as a webpage, saving it
as RTF, copying everything but the last paragraph mark and so on). I then
tried opening and saving the file on a PC, but even WinWord could not do
anything about it, it just froze. I guess what I'm trying to say is that in
some cases, documents can become corrupted, and then you might see what
you're seeing right now. If you can, try if you can open these files on
other systems and/or in other versions of Word. Opening them with other
Word-compatible software, such as OpenOffice, and then resaving them from
there might in some cases also solve this particular problem.

And, speaking from experience, I can only agree with Bob re RAM. My ageing
PowerBook G4 is now running Tiger on 512 MB RAM, and it's clearly the
absolute minimum to make working on it acceptable. Then again, Tiger is more
resource-hungry than Panther, but still, the best solution is to get as much
RAM as possible. If you're planning on using your iMac for a few more years,
make sure you get a 1GB module; you'll see dramatic performance
improvements, believe me.

 

[CGF]

Thanks Bob and Michel for your input.
I tried the things you mentioned for the Picture clippings. For the
first option. Edit/Paste, I got the message: Error! Objects cannot be
created from editing field codes.

The Ctrl = Click method seems to work, as I was able to save the
document after making the changes. I wish it didn't take so many steps,
however.

I couldn't find a version of GraphicsConverter in my computer. I did
find it online. Would this be a simpler/faster way to convert the
Clipppings?
The problem is, the project is about 1,000 pages of a volume on
Statistics (ugg), so there are many of the Clippings in each file. The
easier, the better. I guess there isn't any other kind of conversion
software that could go through the whole Word file at once and convert
all the Clippings (that would be too much to ask, I guess).

I hate when this happens with the file from PC people--they all role
their eyes and say "EWWW, you have a MAC!"

I will get more RAM. My MAC mechanic wants 340 dollars to install 2
512MB modules! He said this model won't take a 1G in the empty slot.
Any suggestions for the best place to buy online? Someone told me about
OWC--would that be a reputable source?

Thanks again, CGF

 

[Beth Rosengard]

Can't help with your other problem but...

Yes, OWC is reputable. That's where I got my additional RAM.

$340 just for the installation? When you can do it yourself? Makes no
sense. And, yes, you *can* do it yourself. If you follow the instructions,
you should have no problems. Trust me. If *I* could do it (in both my old
G3 iMac and the current G5), so can you!

--
***Please always reply to the newsgroup!***

Beth Rosengard
MacOffice MVP

Mac Word FAQ: <http://word.mvps.org/Mac/WordMacHome.html>

 

[CyberTaz]

Hello again -

Take Daiya's advice on the RAM & install it yourself. If you need any
directions it is available from your User Guide or the Apple web site.

Have never dealt with OWC but understand them to be reputable. Have had good
experience with Newegg.com & ZipZoomFly.com as well as Crucial.com which is
highly regarded & currently has 512 MB DDR PC2700 modules for $71.06 ea.;

http://www.crucial.com

Just use the Memory Advisor Tool on the upper right side of their Home page.

Another thought came to mind based on your reference to 'field codes' -
didn't occur to me at first 'cause I just assume everyone has it installed,
but I *don't* think it is a part of a standard install. Take a look @
Insert>Object dialog & see if Microsoft Equation is in the list. If not,
install it from the Office CD - do a custom install & remove the checks for
everything else. If the Equation Editor isn't installed yet, that, alone may
rectify the problem.

Did you try the idea in Michel's post about saving as RTF file format? You
might also be able to output as PDF (in the Print dialog box use the button
in the lower left corner).

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[mmmmark]

I will get more RAM. My MAC mechanic wants 340 dollars to install 2
512MB modules! He said this model won't take a 1G in the empty slot.
Any suggestions for the best place to buy online? Someone told me about
OWC--would that be a reputable source?

Thanks again, CGF

You might also give RAMjet a try ( http://www.ramjet.com. ) One some RAM
they have significantly cheaper prices, but seem to have a great warranty
and satisfaction policy (and only use Apple-speced RAM for Macs).

I don't have any connection to them, I've just been shopping myself.

Good luck!
-Mark

 

[Beth Rosengard]

That was me, but who's counting ;-).

Beth

 

[CyberTaz]

Oops, my bad - but I bet Daiya would say so too!