spellcheck

[bharritz]

I am currently using Microsoft Windows 98, and given that
I generally only use for emailing (Outlook Express 6), and
the internet for various searches, it has suited me fine.
However, my (bought used) computer has developed a few
glitches over the past year, so I have decided to buy a
new one. The service manager at the computer store where
I am buying my computer says given my limited use of my
computer's options, and my familiarity and lack of
complaints about Windows 98, it would be fine to transfer
it to the new computer. (Windows 98 is shown in my
computer as OEM in my name.) However, my computer also
came with many other programs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft
Excel, and Microsoft Powerpoint (none of which I use--
except maybe Microsoft Word a few wimes some while back)
already installed when I bought it from the used computer
store. I am told that, for reasons I don't understand,
none of those programs can be transferred to the new
computer. And I also understand that at least one of them
is reguired in order to have spellcheck (which I
definitely want!) for my outgoing email from Outlook
Express.

I then thought I should consider buying Windows XP Home
Edition, but my sister who bought a new computer six
months ago bought along with that program, and it turns
out she doesn't have spellcheck because I guess Microsoft
Word doesn't come with it.

Am I missing something, or does it make sense I and my
sister are each going to have to buy Microsoft Word just
to get spellcheck on our email?!!

Thanks for any feedback that any one can provide.

Also, given this is my first post ever, please advise if
there is a more appopriate category under which I shoul be
placing this.

Thank you so much.

Bietta

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Essentially, yes you are going to need something to provide the spellcheck
capabilities as it is not built-in. However, MSWord is not the only option.
I am borrowing a quote here from MVP Kelly:

<quote>

Add full-featured, automatic spell checking to Outlook Express without the
need to purchase Microsoft Office! http://www.spellchecker.com/personal/

Here's a free spell checker that works great.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/article.php?sid=2952&cat=10

Spell Checker for Outlook Express
http://www.spellchecker.com/personal/downloads/as_hp_oe_dwn.htm

Spell Checker for Internet Explorer
http://www.webattack.com/get/iespell.shtml

<end>

So, as you can see, you do not have to have Word installed, but you do need
to have something.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Bietta]

Rick

Thank you for your prompt and helpful reply.

Bietta

 

[Guest]

If you are sending an email in Outlook Express 6 then you
click on tools at the top and then spelling. I have
Microsoft Word and XP and this works for me.

 

[Malke]

If you are sending an email in Outlook Express 6 then you
click on tools at the top and then spelling. I have
Microsoft Word and XP and this works for me. (snip)

(more snippage)

Your computer came bundled with other applications preinstalled by the
computer mftr. (like HP or Compaq). If you buy another OEM computer,
check and see what programs come bundled with that one. You cannot copy
program folders for programs like Microsoft Office from the old
computer to the new one. You will need to buy whatever programs you
want and install them, or buy an OEM computer with your choices
bundled, as I said above.

OE does not have the capability of doing spellcheck by itself. If you
and your sister want Microsoft Office and it is not available from the
OEM bundled on your new computer, yes you will have to buy the program.
Or look for a different spellcheck program that will work with OE.
Google for "spellcheck program for Outlook Express" and you'll come up
with some possibilities.

Malke

 

[JAX]

Rick "Nutcase" Rogers, took care of the spellchecker question quite well
but, there is the issue of transferring the "OEM" install of "98" to the new
machine left to deal with. OEM installs are usually tied to the computer
they are installed on and cannot be transferred. It is not just a matter of
license, there are hardware considerations as well. The "service manager"
may be overlooking this possibility.

LOL, JAX

 

[NobodyMan]

If you are sending an email in Outlook Express 6 then you
click on tools at the top and then spelling. I have
Microsoft Word and XP and this works for me.

Please read before you reply. The OP clearly stated they did NOT have
Word. Therefore you have just given advice they can't use.

 

[bharritz]

Thanks Nobody Man, but on rereading my original post I see
I did confuse the issue when near the end I stated that I
guess 'Windows Word' didn't come with spell check, when I
clearly meant to say 'Windows xp Home Edition', as I had
stated at the beginning of my post. So the confusion was
definitely partly my fault, although you, Rick and JAX
understood what I meant.

Thanks again everyone.