Deleting non-English proofing tools removes spell-check option in Word 2004

[Gary Goldberg]

I deleted all the non-English (but keeping Aus and UK English) proofing
tools, then found that the "Spelling" option was missing from my Tools
menu.

I reinstalled them and removed a few and the option remained, but
when I went ahead and removed the rest again the Spelling option
was again missing.

Which ones CAN I remove and why do I need non-English proofing
tools in the Word folder?

(I'm running OS 10.4.6 on a Mac Mini Intel, if that matters)

 

[Gary Goldberg]

Ah, there's so much going on here that I don't quite know where to start....

On the chance that the whole deletion of proofing tools is a red herring,
please make sure you didn't accidentally turn on "Word 5.1 Menus". Look
under View to see if there's a check next to that option, uncheck if so.

I don't see that option at all under View, unless you mean under the
Customize option.

If that doesn't do it, some questions:

1) Just to confirm, as you are a tad vague--you deleted various files from
the Applications:Microsoft Office 2004:Shared Applicationsroofing Tools:
folder, correct?
Yes

2) There are many English files in there, but only a few that specify Aus
and UK English. Did you delete any of the non-specific English files?

Not that I can tell.

3) exactly which files remain in your Proofing Tools folder, when you see
the problem?

I would *imagine* that it's fine to move/delete all the non-English ones,
but I'm not inclined to test on my machine just now (and I'd make sure you
keep your installation CD handy in case you ever want them back). I believe
that Spanish and French may be installed by default, you might try leaving
those ones in. Actually, MacWord comes with many more proofing tools than
get installed in a default installation--how did these extras get on your
computer in the first place?

Well, I did an experiment just now: I moved all the Brazilian, Finnish,
French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese into the Trash,
started up Word, and the Spelling option is gone from the Tool menu
again! Maybe it needs ALL "spelling" files, even for foreign languages
(?)

 

[Gary Goldberg]

2) There are many English files in there, but only a few that specify Aus
and UK English. Did you delete any of the non-specific English files?

3) exactly which files remain in your Proofing Tools folder, when you see
the problem?

It seems that any "Dictionary" file, even for a foreign language is
needed.

I kept adding back files until "Spelling" reappeared. Right now only

Brazilian Hyphenation
French Grammar Reference
German Grammar
French Grammar Help
Portuguese Hyphenation
Japanese Proofing
Finnish Hyphenation
French Grammar Parameter
French Grammar
French Hyphenation

are in Trash