Why does ctrl-V in Word sometimes = install Messenger?

[Guest]

When I've copied text in a different program, such as Mozilla Thunderbird
(text from an email msg. I'm composing, for ex.), then switch to Word (2003),
and try to paste it using control-V, I get a "preparing to install Messenger
5.1" message.

I'm using a just purchased Dell Inspiron 8600, running Windows XP, SP2 (and
already have Messenger 6.2 installed).

Brian

 

[Jezebel]

What happens when you paste depends on what you have in the clipboard at the
time. In some cases, with objects copied from other applications, Word will
try to embed that object in your document. In doing so, it runs a whole lot
of code between itself and the original application, and any number of other
behind-the-scenes things in between.

I don't know specifically what's happening in your case, but by the sounds
of it Word is trying to paste your Mozilla email itself (rather than its
text content) which is triggering a sequence of events relating to Internet
access from your machine in which Messenger is involved.

The quick fix is to use PasteSpecial and paste as text.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. The quick fix will definitely work, though it's suboptimal.

But, for the record, I'm copying only text (not a formatted email, but
rather stuff in text mode from the msg. composition window). I've done this
for years on my Dell Inspiron 8100. Same programs (same operating system --
XP SP2), same routine, but now I'm getting this weird result. I don't get it.

Anyway, thanks for you help.
Brian