Using Word 2002 Safe Mode with Automation

[Curtis Weeks]

We have an application that uses Word 2002 via automation.
(i.e. starts Word using CreateObject from a VB program).
Occasionally word crashes or encounters other problems
during operation.

To troubleshoot some problems I desperately need a way to
start Word in either Safe Mode (/safe) or with the /a to
skip the loading of user settings.

Does anyone know a way to start Word in this manner when
Word is started through automation instead of directly at
the command line.

Thanks in advance.
Curtis Weeks
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Jonathan West]

Hi Curtis,

I would proceed as follows.

1. Make sure that there is no copy of Word running.
2. Start a copy using the command-line
3. Hook up to it using the GetObject command (or its equivalent in the
language you are using)

--
Regards
Jonathan West - Word MVP
MultiLinker - Automated generation of hyperlinks in Word
Conversion to PDF & HTML
http://www.multilinker.com

 

[PJ]

I would call GC.collect after you are done with the word
doc to ensure that the word document is gone from memory.
I had similar issue with powerpoint xp

 

[Curtis Weeks]

Thanks.

Actually I believe I did find a way to start it in Safe
mode without changing the calling application. I
added /safe to the registry option LocalServer32 in the
HKEY_CLASSES right after the /Automation command line
option. The only annoying thing is that Windows installer
comes up whenever I start Word in safe mode through
automation or from a command prompt.