Copyright: Copyright 1994 Next Generation Software, Inc.
Citation: Help System for Spell Check 3.0


Contents

Copyright Notice

Registering Spell Check

Core Topics:

A Quick Introduction to Spell Check 3.0

Spell Checking A Message

Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box

Defining a Closing

Setting Defaults

Installing Spell Check:

Step by Step Installation Instructions

Adding Spell Check's Icon to the Program Manager

Activating the Hot-Key Feature

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Custom Dictionaries

VBRUN300.DLL

Technical Reference:

Modifying Spell Check's INI Files

Listing of Spell Check's Files

Using Spell Check with Norton Desktop

Maximizing an Application after a spell check

Technical Support

Note:  Remember Spell Check 3.0 has context sensitive help.  Just press F1 while using Spell Check and the appropriate help topic will be loaded.  Also, note that the help system has an extensive keyword search feature.  Just press the Search button and enter a keyword and the related topics will be listed.

Thank you for downloading Spell Check and taking the time to install and evaluate the program.  Please consider Registering.


Copyright Notice

Entire contents Copyright 1993, 1994 by Next Generation Software, Inc.  All rights reserved.

The files american.vtd and vtspell.vbx are Copyright 1994 by Visual Tools, Inc. and distributed under a licensing agreement between Next Generation Software, Inc. and Visual Tools, Inc.

Spell Check is provided for evaluation purposes only.  Please Register the Application or remove it from your system within thirty days.

Related Topics:

Registering Spell Check

Table of Contents


Spell Checking a Message

You must create a message in your frontend application (WinCIM, AOL, Notepad etc.) before Spell Check can check your message.  After you finish typing your message execute the steps described below.

Remember, Spell Check must be running before you can check a message.  If Spell Check is running you must restore it before checking a message.

To Start Spell Check:

1 Simply Double Click on the Spell Check Icon

   or

   Press the user Defined Hot-Key (normally CTRL + ALT + S) while using the Program Manager.

2 If Spell Check Runs Minimized simply double click on the minimized icon.

To restore Spell Check after it is already running:

1  Press Spell Check's hot-key or

    Double Click on the Minimized Icon or

    Switch to Spell Check using the Windows Task List (CTRL + ESC).

To Begin Checking a Message:

1  If the Select Application Window is not visible press the Get Message Button, otherwise skip to Step 2.

2  Select the Application that contains the text you want to check by choosing the application's name from the drop-down list.  Under most circumstances Spell Check will anticipate what application contains the text.

3  Select a Closing.  Spell Check can automatically add a closing, such as your email address, to the message after the spell check is completed.  See Defining a Closing for more information on closings.

4  Select the desired Other Options.  Auto Update will cause Spell Check to automatically update the corrected text to the frontend application when the spell check is completed.  Stay on Top will make the Spell Check icon remain visible after the spell check is completed.  See Summary of Default Settings.

5.  Select the Type of Message (Mail or Forum) or press the Text button.

6.  Spell Check will grab the text and spell check it.  See Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box.

Note:  To set the startup defaults press the Defaults button.

Related Topics:

Activating the Hot-Key Feature

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Adding Spell Check's Icon to the Program Manager

Summary of Default Settings

Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box


Other Features

Spell Check has several other features that enhance its functionality.

Cutting, Copying and Pasting Text.  To access these features simply highlight the desired text and choose the appropriate item from the Edit Menu.  It is possible to use these features to edit an existing message in Spell Check or exchange text with other applications in the Windows Environment.

Starting a Spell Check Manually.  To start a spell check manually simply select the Check Spelling item from the Edit Menu.  This feature is useful if you have previously cancelled a spell check and want to restart the spell checker.

Clearing the Current Message.  To clear the current message select the Clear Current Message item from the Edit Menu.

Updating the Current Message  To update the current message to a program press the update button.  Select the desired application.

Accessing On-Line Help.  To access the on-line help system simply select the Contents item from the Help Menu or for context sensitive help press F1.

Popping-Up the Edit Menu.  To activate the Edit Menu popup feature click the right mouse button while the pointer is over the current message box.

Related Topics:

Table of Contents


Editing the Custom Dictionary

When you Add words to the dictionary they are stored in the user defined custom dictionary file (vtc extension).  To edit the custom dictionary simply open the file in your favorite text editor (Windows Notepad) and make the desired changes.  Save the File.

To Determine the file name and path of your custom dictionaries:

1  Open the File c:\windows\Spell3.ini using the Windows Notepad.

2  Scroll to the End of the File.

3  The section labeled "[Custom Dictionaries]" will contain entries for the names and paths of the custom dictionary files.

4  Make note of the filenames

5  Close spell3.ini

6  Open the custom dictionary file

7  Make the desired changes and save the file.

Related Topics:

Custom Dictionaries


Technical Support

Next Generation Software, Inc. provides technical support for Spell Check users via electronic mail.  When seeking technical support be sure to clearly document the problem and if possible, attempt to recreate it.  Send requests for technical support to:

CompuServe - 72154,1174

America Online - NEXTGENSFT.

Internet - nextgensft@aol.com

Prodigy - PYMC66A

We pride ourselves on providing quick and accurate responses to our users.  If you have a question about the program or a suggestion about a new feature, we want to hear from you.

Please note that Registered Users receive priority support.  Please include your invoice number in the Subject Box of your message to helps us recognize that you are a registered user.

Related Topics:

Registering Spell Check


Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box

The misspelled word dialog box will appear when Spell Check cannot find a word in its main or custom dictionaries.

Simply select the word from the suggestion list and press the replace button.  Below you will find descriptions of the misspelled dialog box's buttons.

Ignore Button.  Spell Check ignores the word and continues spell checking.

Ignore All Button.  Spell Check ignores the word as well as all subsequent occurrences and continues spell checking.

Replace Button.  Spell Check replaces the "Not in Dictionary" word with the "Replace with" word.  Select a word from the suggestions box or type a word directly in the Replace with box.

Replace All Button.  Spell Check executes the Replace function for the current word as well as for all subsequent occurrences of the "Not in Dictionary" word.

Add Button. Spell Check adds the "Not in Dictionary" word to the custom dictionary.  Spell Check will treat all subsequent occurrences of the word as a correctly spelled.  Multiple custom dictionaries can be opened simultaneously.  The user can select the desired custom dictionary to add the word to from the "Add Word To" drop-down menu.  See Custom Dictionaries

Suggestions.  Spell Check generates a list of suggested spellings for the currently misspelled word.  Also, Spell Check can generate suggestions for any word typed in the "Replace With" box.

Options Button.  Spell Check displays the Spell Options dialog box.  The user defined options are explained in the next section - Summary of Spell Engine Options.

Cancel Button.  Spell Check stops checking the current message.

If the Auto Update feature is enabled, Spell Check will update the corrected message to the front-end application after the spell check is completed.  If the Auto Update feature is disabled you will be prompted as to whether to update the message to your front-end application.

Related Topics:

Spell Checking a Message

Summary of Spell Engine Options


Stay on Top After Spell Check

The Stay on Top After Spell Check setting makes the minimized Spell Check icon remain visible at all times (even when you are using another application).  Thus, making it possible to activate Spell Check by simply double clicking on the minimized icon.

Related Topics:

Setting Default Settings

Summary of Default Settings

Running Spell Check Minimized


Running Spell Check Minimized

By selecting Run Spell Check Minimized, Spell Check will be minimized to an icon whenever you start it.  Many users find it desirable to Add Spell Check to the Startup Group, Define a hot-key and Run Spell Check Minimized.

See Setting Defaults for instructions on defining Spell Check's defaults.

Note:  The Run Spell Check Minimized when Loaded setting overrides the Run Minimized Property in the Program Manager.

Related Topics

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Adding the Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager

Stay on Top After Spell Check


Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Any icons stored in the Startup Group load the corresponding programs each time Windows is started.  You may find it desirable to add Spell Check to the Startup Group.

To add Spell Check to the Startup Group:

1  Switch to the Program Manager

2  Open the Startup Program Group

3  Select the New Item from the File Menu

4  Select Program Item and Press OK

5  Enter a Description "Spell Check 3.0"

6  Enter the Command Line.  The Command Line should contain the full path for Spell Check.  For example, c:\spell\wcspell3.exe.  If you downloaded Spell Check from America Online, Spell Check is likely stored in c:\waol\download\wcspell3\wcspell3.exe.  You may find it useful to press the browse button, navigate the directory tree and click on the file wcspell3.exe.

7  Leave the Working Directory Field Blank

8  Enter a Shortcut Key such as "S".  See Activating a Hot-Key for more information.

9  Press the OK Button.

Related Topics

Adding the Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager

Running Spell Check Minimized

Using Spell Check with Norton Desktop


Adding Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager
Adding the Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager

You may want to consider Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group.

To create an icon for Spell Check:

1  Switch to the Program Manager

2  Open the the Desired Group

3  Select the New Item from the File Menu

4  Select Program Item and Press OK

5  Enter a Description "Spell Check 3.0"

6  Enter the Command Line.  The Command Line should contain the full path for Spell Check.  For example, c:\spell\wcspell3.exe.  If you downloaded Spell Check from America Online, Spell Check is likely stored in c:\waol\download\wcspell3\wcspell3.exe.  You may find it useful to press the browse button, navigate the directory tree and click on the file wcspell3.exe.

7  Leave the Working Directory Field Blank

8  Enter a Shortcut Key such as "S".  See Activating a Hot-Key for more information.

9  Press the OK Button.

Related Topics

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Running Spell Check Minimized

Using Spell Check with Norton Desktop


Activating the Hot-Key Feature

Whenever you restore Spell Check, the "get message" function is invoked.  If you are using Windows 3.1 or Norton Desktop for Windows, you can assign a hot-key to Spell Check.  Every time you press the hot-key, Spell Check will be activated.

Next Generation recommends using the hot key combination CTRL + ALT + S.  The procedures outlined below assume that you assign the recommended hot-key combination.

Before assigning a hot-key you must Add the Spell Check icon to the Program Manager.

The hot-key feature requires that your computer is running Windows 3.1 or higher.

To Activate the Hot-Key Feature:

1.  Select the Spell Check program icon in the Program Manager with a single-click.

2.  Select the Properties Item from the File Menu.

3.  Move to the Shortcut Key field.

4.  Press S.

     The field will change to "CTRL + ALT + S"

5.  Press OK.

Note:  Under Windows 3.1, you must have the Windows 3.1 Program Manager in the foreground the first time you press the hot-key combination.  In other words, Spell Check will not be activated if you press the hot-key combination for the first time while using another application, such as WinCIM.  The hot-key will call Spell Check while using another application (such as WinCIM) if Spell Check is already running.  Next Generation recommends adding Spell Check to your Startup Program Group as well as defining a hot-key combiantion as discussed above.

Related Topics

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Adding the Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager

Running Spell Check Minimized


Summary of Default Settings

This section provides brief descriptions of Spell Check's Default Options.  See Setting Defaults.   If additional explanation is warranted the summary for the option will contain a jump to a topic that provides further clarification.  The Default Settings are stored in the Spell3.INI file.  The line where the option is stored is denoted in Blue.  Default Settings are denoted in Red.

Run Spell Check Minimized.  Spell Check will run as a minimized icon whenever Spell Check is loaded.  Spell3.ini - RunMin= Default is No  See Running Spell Check Minimized for further explanation.

Stay on Top After Spell Check.  The Spell Check icon will remain visible at all times ("on top") thus, allowing you to simply double click on the icon to invoke the Spell Checker.  Spell3.ini - StayOnTop= Default is no  See Stay on Top.

Automatically Update When Spell Check Complete.  Activating this setting will cause Spell Check to update your front-end (for example, WinCIM) when the spell check is completed.  Otherwise, Spell Check will ask you whether you want to update the frontend each time a spell check is completed.  Spell3.ini - AutoUpdate= Default is No

Clear Ignore All / Replace All Lists Before Each Spell Check.  If marked Spell Check will clear these lists before each Spell Check.  Otherwise, any words you "Ignored All" or "Replaced All" will be ignored or replaced, respectively, in all spell checks until Spell Check is closed.  Spell3.ini - ClearbeforeCheck= Default is No

Close Custom Dictionaries after Each Check.  It is highly recommended that you do not change this setting.  Deactivating this feature will cause an error message if Word for Windows 6.X attempts to access the custom dictionary while Spell Check is active.  (Error also occurs under Word for Windows 2.X while using Windows for WorkGroups).  Spell3.ini - CustomAllwaysOpen= Default is no (closed after each check).

Default Closing Settings.  Spell Check can automatically add a predefined closing, such as your name and email address to a message after it is checked.  See Closings  Spell3.ini - SignMessage= Default is none

Help.  Invokes this help screen.

Spell Engine.  Invokes the Spell Engine Options dialog box.

Related Topics:

Setting Defaults

Modifying INI Files

Summary of Spell Engine Options


Summary of Spell Engine Options

This section provides brief descriptions of the Spell Engine Options.  See Setting Defaults.  If additional explanation is warranted the summary for the option will contain a jump to a topic that provides further clarification.  The Spell Check Engine Options are stored in the Spell3.INI File.  The line where the option is stored is denoted in Blue.  Default Settings denoted in Red.

Automatic Suggestions.  Spell check automatically generates suggestions for each misspelled word.  When automatic suggestions is deactivated the user must press the suggestions button in order to generate suggested spellings for each misspelled word.  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is True

Exact Match Required.  When this option is selected Spell Check treats a word as misspelled if an exact match is not found in either the main dictionary or custom dictionary files.  For example, the word "This" would be treated as misspelled because the dictionary contains the word "this."  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is False

Ignore Full Caps.  Spell Check ignores (does not check) words with all letters capitalized.  For example, "SPELL CHECK".  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is False

Ignore Partial Numbers.  Spell Check ignores partial numbers.  For example, 12wrong.  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is False

Ignore Pure Numbers.  Spell Check ignores pure numbers.  For example, 11.95.  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is True

Allow Joined Words.  When this option is selected Spell Check treats hyphenated words as correctly spelled if both the individual words are spelled correctly.  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is True

Recheck Typed Replaces.  Spell check always checks replaces unless the user selects the "replace with word" from the suggestion list generated by spell check.  Spell3.ini - SpellOptionsBitSetting= Default is Not Used

Open Custom.  Spell Check allows you to have up to 5 custom dictionaries open simultaneously.  Add words you commonly use to custom dictionaries in order to avoid having spell check flag them as misspelled.  Spell3.ini - [Custom Dictionaries] Default is mwords.vtc  See Custom Dictionaries for further explanation.

Open Standard.  Used to open standard (main) dictionary files.  Spell3.ini - [Main Dictionaries] Default is american.vtd

Performance. This setting controls the overall performance of the Spell Check engine. The default setting balances memory usage with performance.  Increasing the performance level will allocate more memory to spell check and the speed of checking will increase.  Likewise, decreasing the performance level will decrease the amount of memory allocated to Spell Check and decrease the speed of checking.  Spell3.ini - [Performance Level=]  Default is 0 Range -7 to 7.

Suggestion Search Limit.  This setting controls the number of queries the spell check engine makes to the dictionary files when attempting to find the correct spelling of a word.  Spell Check only displays the 10 best suggestions in the Suggestions list box. Spell3.ini - SuggestionsLimit= Default is 1500

Note:  Many of the options described above modify the Spell3.ini line SpellOptionsBitSetting=.  Spell Check converts the options selected to an integer value.  The sum of the integer value is stored in the Spell3.ini file.  Therefore, it is not possible to set SpellOptionsBitSetting acurately by manually modifying spell3.ini.

Related Topics:

Custom Dictionaries

Define Options

Modifying INI Files

Summary of Default Settings


Modifying INI Files
Modifying Spell Check's INI Files

Under most circumstances it will not be necessary to modify Spell Check's initiation files.  Some users may wish to learn how to modify the strokes3.ini file, thus making it possible to use Spell Check with any Windows application!

Spell Check saves its various parameters in two initiation files (Spell3.ini and Strokes3.ini).

The Spell3.ini file stores information related to Default Settings, Spell Engine Options, Dictionaries and Closing.

The Strokes3.ini file stores the information necessary for Spell Check to exchange data with other Windows Applications.  Spell Check never changes the Strokes.ini file, thus it must be modified by the user with a text editor.

Related Topics:

Modifying Spell3.INI

Modifying Strokes3.INI


Installation and Setup

Installing Spell Check is a relatively straight-forward process.  If you are familiar with how to unzip and copy a file it will take you no time at all.  If you are unfamiliar with the aforementioned process the detailed instructions below will walk you through the entire process.  By taking the time to install Spell Check you will not only gain access to a useful utility (Spell Check), but will develop the skills necessary to install any of the multitude of programs available from your on-line service.

To have gotten this far you must have successfully downloaded the program and unzipped the file.  However, we will review this process below:

Downloading and unzipping:

1  When you download a file from an online service it is copied from the service's computer to your computer via a modem.  Normally, the file will be downloaded to a sub-directory of the directory where your online service program resides.  For example, c:\woal\download for America Online or c:\cserve\download for CompuServe.

Note:  Step 2 describes the unzipping process.  If you downloaded Spell Check from  America Online, the unzipping process may have been done automatically.

2  To conserve disk space the online services store files in compressed format.  The most common format is pkzip.  There are numerous versions of pkunzip available and a variety of Windows programs to facilitate the unzipping process.  To unzip a file you simply type pkunzip filename destination at a DOS prompt.  To unzip Spell Check and store it in a directory type the following (bold lines) at a DOS prompt:

{create a directory for spell check}

md c:\spell

{unzip the file to the directory}

pkunzip wcspell.zip c:\spell

3.  Spell Check requires that vbrun300.dll be installed on your system.  For more information on how to download and installed vbrun300.dll see Installing Vbrun300.dll

4  Return to Windows and Add Spell Check Icon to the Program Manager.

5  Activate the Hot-Key Feature.

6  You are ready to go - See Spell Checking a Message.

7  Evaluate the Program and decide whether to Register.

Related Topics:

Table of Contents


Registering
Registering Spell Check

Again, thank you for taking the time to download and evaluate Spell Check.  Spell Check is provided for evaluation purposes. If you decide to use the software, please register it.  We offer three registration alternatives:

1.  Electronic Registration via CompuServe.  When registering in this manner you will receive complete written documentation via conventional mail, legal license to use the software, and the registered version of the program (without the shareware screen).  The registered version will be sent to you via CompuServe mail.  The registration fee is only $11.95.

To register Spell Check using CompuServe:

1  Go SWREG

2  Press Enter

3  Select Option #1.

4  Spell Check's ID # is 1761.

2.  Registration via conventional mail for $11.95.  When registering in this manner you will receive complete written documentation via conventional mail, legal license to use the software, and the registered version of the program (without the shareware screen).  The registered version will be sent to you via CompuServe or America Online mail.  The registration fee is only $11.95.

To register by conventional mail:

1 Select the Registration Information Item from the File Menu

2 Press Yes to print an order form.

3 Complete order form (be sure to include your electronic mail address).

4 Send a Check or Money Order for $11.95 and the order form to:

Next Generation Software, Inc.

2831 Gallows Road Suite 201

Falls Church, VA 22042 USA

3.  Registration via conventional mail for $14.50 and receive a copy of the registered version on diskette.  When registering in this manner you will receive complete written documentation via conventional mail, legal license to use the software, and the registered version of the program (without the shareware screen).  The registered version will be sent to you on disk via conventional mail.  The registration fee is only $14.50.

To register by conventional mail and receive a copy of Spell Check on Disk:

1 Select the Registration Information Item from the File Menu

2 Press Yes to print an order form.

3 Complete order form (be sure to include your electronic mail address).

4 Send a Check or Money Order for $14.50 and the order form to:

Next Generation Software, Inc.

2831 Gallows Road Suite 201

Falls Church, VA 22042 USA

Related Topics:

Copyright Notice

Table of Contents


Using WinCIS or WinNAV

Recently, both WinCIS and WinNAV were renamed by their publishers to GoCIS and CsNAV, respectively.

You must modify the strokes.ini file to make Spell Check aware that you are using  older versions of these programs.  Alternately, you can download new versions of GoCIS or CsNAV.  As of January 1994, users of WinNAV were entitled to a free upgrade to CsNAV.

If, however, you prefer to use the older version of the programs make the following changes to strokes.ini.

See Modifying INI Files BEFORE making the following changes.

GoCIS to WinCIS

1.  Open c:\spell\strokes3.ini using a text editor (Windows Notepad)

2.  Move to the [Application 4] Section.

3.  Change all references to gocis to wincis.

4.  Change the number of letters lines to 6

CsNAV to WinNAV

1.  Open c:\spell\strokes3.ini using a text editor (Windows Notepad).

2.  Move to the [Application 3] Section.

3.  Change all references to csnav to winnav.

4.  Change all the number of letters line to 6.

Related Topics

Modifying INI Files

Modifying Spell3.ini


Introduction to Spell Check 3.0
A Quick Introduction to Spell Check 3.0.

Spell Check 3.0 is a high performance spell checker for the Windows Environment.  The program was originally designed to spell check mail messages created using the CompuServe Information Manager for Windows (WinCIM).  In each of the subsequent revisions to the program we have refined the spell checking engine as well as added support for additional Windows Applications.

One of our primary design priorities for Spell Check 3.0 was to ensure that all users, regardless of their technical knowledge, be able to successfully install and evaluate the program.  Furthermore, we wanted to make it easy for our users to take advantage of Spell Check's numerous features.  In an effort to achieve this goal, we added a context-sensitive help system to this version.  To invoke context-sensitive help while using Spell Check just press the F1 key.

Please read the installation instructions contained within Spell3.wri before using the program.  See Opening Spell3.wri for the information on how to open spell3.wri.

Supported Programs

Spell Check provides spell checking for:

America Online

CsNAV

WinCIM

Prodigy for Windows

GoCIS

MS Mail (Windows for WorkGroups Edition)

Norton's DeskEdit

WinFax

Windows Notepad

Windows Clipboard

Sierra Solutions MailRoom

Additionally, by Modifying Spell Check's INI Files users can customize Spell Check to work with almost any Windows Based application.

Spell Check Engine

Spell Check 3.0 uses a robust spell checking engine.  The dictionary contains over 120,000 words and users can Add Words not found in the main dictionary to Custom Dictionaries.  The Spell Checker's functionality is consistent with the spell checkers found in full featured word processors.  Also, Spell Check provides you with a rich selection of User Defined Options allowing you to customize Spell Check.

Remember, Spell Check is shareware.  Next Generation Software, Inc. is distributing Spell Check 3.0 for evaluation purposes only.  After 30 days we ask that you either Register the Application or remove it from your system.   Register users will receive complete written documentation, legal license to use the software, and the registered version of the program (without the shareware screen).  The registration fee is only $11.95.

To learn how to Spell Check a Message click here.

Related Topics:

Spell Checking a Message

Registering Spell Check

Techincal Support

Other Features

Table of Contents


Custom Dictionaries

Custom Dictionaries are used to store words that are correctly spelled, but are not contained within Spell Check's Main Dictionary.  During the installation process Spell Check asks you whether you want to attach to the Word for Windows Custom Dictionary.  Sharing the custom dictionary makes words added while using one program available the next time you use the other program.  Word for Windows stores its custom dictionary file in \windows\msapps\proof\custom.dic.

Spell Check automatically attaches to the custom dictionary mwords.vtc during the installation process.

To Open a Custom Dictionary:

1  Press the Options Button in the misspelled word dialog box

    or

    Press the Spell Engine Button in the Default Settings dialog box.

2  Press the Open Custom Button

3  Select a custom dictionary file or enter a new filename to create a new custom dictionary.

To Close a Custom Dictionary:

1  Press the Options Button in the misspelled word dialog box

    or

    Press the Spell Engine Button in the Default Settings dialog box.

2  Select the dictionary you want to close from the drop down list.

3  Press the Close Custom Button.

Related Topics:

A Quick Introduction to Spell Check

Editing Custom Dictionaries

User Defined Options

Summary of Spell Engine Options


Setting Defaults

Spell Check provides you with numberous options.  Spell Check's options can be classified in two broad categories.  The first category of options relate primarily to the program's operating configuration (Default Settings).  The second category relates primarily to the spell checking engine (Spell Engine Options).

To Define the Default Options:

1  Press the Defaults Button in the Select Application dialog box.

    or

    Select the Defaults Item from the Edit Menu.

To Define the Spell Engine Options:

1  Press the Options Button when the misspelled dialog box is visible

    or

    Press the Spell Engine Button when you are Setting the Default Options as described above.

To Activate an Option Simply Select it by clicking your mouse.  An X means the option is selected.  An unmarked box denotes an unselected option.

Note:  Summaries of the various user defined options are provided to help you better understand the various settings.  See Related Topics below.  If additional explanation is warranted the summary for the option will contain a jump to a topic that provides further clarification.

Related Topics

A Quick Introduction to Spell Check

Summary of Default Settings

Summary of Spell Engine Options


Closing
Defining a Closing

Spell Check allows you to define 2 closings.  After defining a closing Spell Check can add it to the end of your messages.  The closing can include up to five lines of text as well as the current time and date.  A typical closing might include your name and email address.  For Example:

Very truly yours,

Barney Smith

AOL - BSMITH@AOL.COM

To Define a Closing:

1  Press the Define Closing button in the Select Application window.

2  Enter the desired closing

3  Mark the date and/or time boxes as desired.

4  Press the OK button.

5  If you are satisfied with the Closing Press Yes.

To Select a Closing:

1  Select the No Closing, Closing 1 or Closing 2 in the Select Application window.

Note:  When adding a closing to your message Spell Check will determine whether you included a blank line at the end of your message (by pressing the enter key).  If you did not include a blank line Spell Check will add a blank line before attaching your closing.

Related Topics:

Setting User Default Options


Modifying Spell3.ini

The majority of the settings contained within the Spell3.ini file can be modified via the Spell Check Default Settings screen or the Spell Check Engine Settings screen.  See those sections for description of the related Spell3.ini lines and default settings.

The Spell3.ini file is stored in the windows directory and can be modified using any standard text editor, such as the Window Notepad.

The following settings are not described in the aforementioned sections.

FrontEnd=  This setting corresponds to the default frontend and is of little value in the current version.  Spell Check 3.0 anticipates the application that contains the text you want to check.  If Spell Check cannot determine the application it will revert to this setting.  The integer value corresponds to the order of the applications listed in the dropdown list box in the Select Application Window.  Default = 2

RemoveOldVersion=  Setting this line to yes will cause spell check to search for and delete older versions of the program.  After the process is complete Spell Check resets this setting to no.

InsertSpace=  In prior versions, Spell Check inserted spaces in misspelled words while generating suggestions.  Although this process can be helpful at times it also results in erroneus suggestions.  Most users will find the tradeoff between erroneous suggestions and useful suggestions resulting from the insert space alogorthim to be in favor of setting this option to No.

Related Topics

Summary of Default Settings

Summary of Spell Engine Options

Modifying Strokes3.Ini


Modifying Strokes3.ini

The Strokes3.ini file stores the information necessary for Spell Check to exchange data with other Windows Applications.  Spell Check never changes the Strokes3.ini file, thus it must be manually modified by the user with a text editor.

Be sure to backup strokes3.ini before attempting to modify it.

When the user chooses the application with text to be checked, Spell Check activates the application and sends the necessary keystrokes to highlight the text, copy it to the Windows ClipBoard and run it through the checker.  When the spell check is completed the text is copied back to the clipboard and pasted back into the application.  Spell Check does not use the mouse to execute the aforementioned process.  Spell Check sends keystrokes.  Thus, before modifying Spell Check to work with another Windows Application you must determine the following:

1  What keystrokes are necessary to highlight a block of text in the application.  Normally, CTRL + HOME will move you to the top of a window.  Then pressing SHIFT + CTRL + END will highlight the text in a window.

2  Now that the text is highlighted all you need to do is copy it.  Most Windows applications use CTRL + C to copy.  Alternately, you could press the ALT key to open the menus, press E for the Edit Menu and C for the Copy Item.  We have found that some programs do not respond as expected when sending CTRL + C to copy (if you experience this problem try the ALT E C method described above).

3  After executing the above steps spell check will run your text through the checker.  Now you must send the strokes necessary to paste the corrected text back into the application.  Normally, CTRL + HOME, SHIFT + CTRL + END and CTRL + V will do the trick (CTRL + V means paste).

4  Your only other concern is providing the logic to activate the application, thus allowing the keystrokes to be sent.  Normally, the Title of the program as it appears in the task list will tell you what the application is "called" within the Windows enviroment.

The following section describes Spell Check's "macro langague."  Valid keystorkes are denoted in Blue.

To send the letter "A" your macro line should be A  To send the letters "ABC" your macro line should be ABC

The SHIFT key is denoted by +

The CONTROL key is denoted by ^

The ALT key is denoted by %

( ) are used when you want to hold down a key and send another key or keys.  For example, to press and hold CTRL and then press V you would use the ^(V)

Special characters are denoted by a keyword enclosed in { }.  Some of the more common keywords are described below:

END - {END}

ESC - {ESC}

HOME - {HOME}

LEFT ARROW - {LEFT}

PAGE DOWN - {PAGE}

TAB - {TAB}

The following section describes the strokes3.ini's various lines.   You must restart Spell Check for any changes made to strokes3.ini to take effect.

The first line NumberofApps= tells spell check how many application sections are stored in strokes3.ini.  The maximum value is 15.  You may want to remove sections for applications you do use.  Reducing the number of applications may improve performance on some systems.

Below is a sample of a strokes section for America Online.  We have provided descriptions for each line in Red below the valid strokes3.ini line.  Do not add descriptions to the strokes3.ini file.

If you want to add support for another application we recommend that you copy an exisiting section and paste it to the end of the file.  Make your changes to the copied section.  Be sure to increment the NumberofApps line to reflect the additional application.

[Application 1]

Simply a place holder denoting the application's number

MenuItem=America OnLine

Label used for the application in the Select Application Drop-down list.

ButtonLabel=AOL

Label used to denote application 1 in message boxes.

ActivateName1=america

NumberofLetters1=7

ActivateName2=america

NumberofLetters2=7

Activate Name should correspond to the applcations name in its title bar.  The Number of letters should be the length of the activate name in characters.  Two different lines are provided for applications that change their title bar (WinCIM).  Notice that it is only necessary to include a portion of the applciation's name.

MailForumSame=yes

This line determines whether there are two types of messges (requiring two different sets of keystrokes) in the application.

GMailStarts    Get Mail Message Section or first type of message.

%( ){ENTER}   ALT + SPACE, ENTER Restores the Application

^({HOME})       CTRL + HOME  Move to begining of text

+(^({END}))     SHIFT + CTRL + END Highlights entire block

^(C)                  CTRL + C  Copies entire block

%( )                  ALT + SPACE Opens the control box.

n                       n N to minimize America Online

GMailEnds      End of Getmail section.

PMailStarts    Paste mail section.  Executed after the spell check is completed.

%( ){ENTER}   ALT + SPACE, ENTER Restores the Application

^({HOME})       CTRL + HOME  Move to begining of text

+(^({END}))     SHIFT + CTRL + END Highlights entire block

^(V)                  CTRL + V  Paste the checked text.

PMailEnds      End of the Paste Mail section.

GForumStarts

GForumEnds

PForumStarts

PForumEnds

The above sections would be used if MailForumSame=no (WinCIM).

Finally a brief discussion is warrented regarding how to restore a Windows application and its impact on the sizing of the application's window.  The above example restores America Online.  You may prefer to maximize the application first ^( ) x then restore it %( ){ENTER} before copying the text.  In doing so, the applications Window will be the same size after the Spell Check returns the corrected text.  However, you may find the resizing annoying or too slow on some machines.

Related Topics:

Modifying INI Files

Modifying Spell3.ini

Using Spell Check with WinCIS and WinNAV


Opening Spell3.wri

Spell3.wri contains complete installation directions.  Please read the file carefully in order to ensure that you install Spell Check correctly, thus enabling you to get the most out of its powerful feature set.

To Open spell3.wri:

1  Double Click on the File Manager Icon in the Program Manager

2  Change to the directory containing spell3.wri

3  Double Click on the spell3.wri

Note:  If you are not sure what directory contains the file spell3.wri, select the Search Item from the File Menu in the File Manager.  Enter spell3.wri in the Search For Box and c:\ in the Start From Box.  Press Enter.  Double Click on spell3.wri.

Related Topics:

Table of Contents

A Quick Introduction to Spell Check


Using the Select Application Dialog Box

The Select Application Dialog Box is the heart of Spell Check and provides you with access to the functions necessary to successfully use the program.  Conceptually, you must create the text, select the program containing the text to be checked, select a closing, select other options and select the message type.  As you become more familiar with Spell Check, you will learn the configuration that best meets your needs and may find it desirable to set it as your Default Configuration.

To Begin Checking a Message:

1  If the Select Application Window is not visible press the Get Message Button, otherwise skip to Step 2.

2  To Select the Application that contains the text you want to check choose the application's name from the drop-down list.  Under most circumstances Spell Check will anticipate what application contains the text.

3  Select a Closing.  Spell Check can automatically add a closing, such as your email address, to the message after the spell check is completed.  See Defining a Closing for more information on closings.

4  Select the desired Other Options.  Auto Update will cause Spell Check to automatically update the corrected text to the frontend application when the spell check is completed.  Stay on Top will make the Spell Check icon remain visible after the spell check is completed.  See Summary of Default Settings.

5.  Select the Type of Message (Mail or Forum) or press the Text button.

6.  Spell Check will grab the text and spell check it.  See Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box.

Note:  To set the startup defaults press the Defaults button.

Related Topics:

Activating the Hot-Key Feature

Adding Spell Check to the Startup Group

Adding Spell Check's Icon to the Program Manager

Summary of Default Options

Using the Misspelled Word Dialog Box


Files

The following files must be installed in the same directory for Spell Check to function correctly:

wcspell3.exe

wcspell3.hlp

vtspell.vbx

american.vtd

strokes3.ini

readme.txt

order.frm

mwords.vtc

Also, Spell Check 3.0 requires that the file vbrun300.dll be installed in either the Spell Check directory or the windows\system directory.

Note:  Spell Check creates the file spell3.ini in your windows directory.

Related Topics:

Installing Spell Check

Installing Vbrun300.dll


Installing VBRUN300.DLL

Vbrun300.dll is a dynamic link library file used by Spell Check.  Numerous other programs use the file so you may already have it on your system.  If Spell Check runs on your computer, vbrun300.dll must be installed.

Unfortunately, most online services do not allow software publishers to include a copy of vbrun300.dll with their programs.  As you might expect it would eat lots of precious disk space.  Likewise, users do not want to waste their time and money downloading a file they already have.

To determine whether vbrun300.dll is installed on your system:

1  Start the Windows File Manager.

2  Select the Search Item from the File Menu.

3  Enter vbrun300.dll in the Search For Box

4  Enter c:\ in the start from box

5  Press enter

6  If the file is found make sure that it is installed in the windows\system directory.  Installing vbrun300.dll in the system directory will allow all programs that require this file to have access to it.

If your search for vbrun300.dll is unsucessful then you must download the file.

To Download VBRUN300.DLL from CompuServe:

1  Go Wugnet by pressing the Green Light Icon and entering wugnet.

2  Press the Books Icon to open Libraries

3  Double Click on Batch and Basic Lib

4  Scroll down to the file "Updated Visual Basic Runtime" dated 10/24/93.

5  Press Retrieve

6  See Below for information on unzipping and installing vbrun300.dll

To Download VBRUN300.DLL from America Online:

1  Select the Keyword item from the Goto Menu.

2  Enter Quickfind and press enter.

4  Enter vbrun300.dll and press Enter.

5  Download the file.

6  Double click on the "download" directory in the filename dialog box.

7  AOL will download the file and unzip it to c:\waol\download\vbrun300.

To Download VBRUN300.DLL from Prodigy:

1  Select the Jump to Item from the Jump Menu.

2  Enter Ziffnet

4  Enter Visual Basic Runtime.

5  Select Vbrun300.dll

6  Download the File.

7  See below for information on unzipping and installing vbrun300.dll

Note:  After you download the file you must ensure that it is unzipped and moved to the windows\system directory.  If you downloaded vbrun300.dll from America Online the unzipping process will be completed for you.  However, you must be sure that vbrun300.dll is stored in the windows\system directory.  America Online should unzip the vbrun300.dll to c:\waol\download\vbrun300\vbrun300.dll.  Thus, you will need to move the file from c:\waol\download\vbrun300\vbrun300.dll to c:\windows\system.

To unzip vbrun300.dll:

1  Exit to a Dos Prompt.

2  Change to the download directory.

3  Type pkunzip vbrun300.zip c:\windows\system Press Enter

To ensure that vbrun300.dll is installed in the windows\system directory:

1  Start the Windows File Manager

2  Select the Search item from the File Menu

3  Enter vbrun300.dll in the Search For Box

4  Enter c:\ in the Start from Box

5  Press Enter.

6  If vbrun300.dll is not stored in windows\system directory then select the file and Select the Move item from the File Menu.  Enter c:\windows\system and press enter.

Related Topics:

Installation and Setup


America Online

America Online provides users with a variety of online services including the Internet Center.  The Internet Center provides Gopher, WAIS, FTP, and Mailing Lists Support.   For information on a free month of America Online access phone 1-800-827-6364.


CompuServe

CompuServe provides its users with a vast array of information, including application specific forums sponsored by all major software companies.  CompuServe publishes two windows based front-ends for the CompuServe Information Service.  WinCIM provides an easy to use interface for exploring the service and CsNAV provides a robust scripting language to write automated CompuServe sessions.  For more information on CompuServe dial 1-800-848-8990.


MailRoom

MailRoom is a Windows based mail application for use with MCI Mail.  For more information on MailRoom email Sierra Solutions (MCI Mail: 545-0183).


GoCIS

GoCIS is a shareware front-end that provides users with tools to create automated  CompuServe sessions.  GoCIS is available for downloading from the WUGNET forum on CompuServe.  For more information on GoCIS contact Logix Systems, Inc. at CompuServe Mail - 76670,1471.


Windows Clipboard

Windows stores any information cut or copied from an application in the Clipboard until it is pasted to another location or until another piece of information is cut or copied.  Spell Check can check any text stored in the clipboard for misspellings and update the clipboard when it has completed the check.  Thus, one could copy text in an application, switch to Spell Check, select the Clipboard application, press the text button, and spell check the text.  After the spell check is completed the text can be updated to the clipboard at the user's option.  Once the text is updated (copied) back to the clipboard by Spell Check you can paste the corrected text in the desired Windows application.  This feature makes it easy to check any block of text in the Windows Enviroment!


Windows Notepad and Norton's DeskEdit

The Notepad and DeskEdit are included with Windows and Norton's DeskTop for Windows, respectively.  These simple applications provide basic text editing features.


Prodigy for Windows

The Prodigy Service recently released a Windows based front-end.  The next release of Spell Check will provide spell checking for Prodigy for Windows.  If you are interested in using Spell Check with Prodigy please drop us a line and we will help you get started right away.  For more information on Prodigy telephone 1-800-776-3449.


WinFax

WinFax is faxing software for the Windows Environment.  Spell Check can check the spelling of WinFax cover sheets.  For more information on the WinFax Software contact Delrina at 1-800-268-6082.


Microsoft Mail

Spell Check supports the version of Microsoft Mail included with Windows for WorkGroups.  This version of Mail is worth a look especially if you have Windows for WorkGroups installed on your machine.


Using Spell Check with Norton Desktop

Spell Check 3.0 is compatible with Norton Desktop for Windows.  Furthermore, version 3.0 includes support for Destop's text editor "DeskEdit".  Under Desktop, you can add Spell Check to the startup group as well as the Launch List.

To add Spell Check to Norton Desktop's Startup Group:

1  Select the Quick Access item from Desktop's Window menu.

2  Double Click on the Startup Group.

3  Select the New Item from the Group Menu.

4  Click on the General Icon

5  Enter the Program's Title.  For example, "Spell Check"

6  Enter the Filename.  For example, "c:\spell\wcspell3.exe"

7  Click on Advanced

8  Enter the Startup Directory.  For example, "c:\spell"

9  Enter a Description.  For example, "Spell Check"

10 Move to the shortcut key field and press CTRL + ALT + S

11 Select Normal from the Run Style dropdown list.

12 Press OK

Note:  Under Desktop, you must have the Desktop Manager in the foreground the first time you press the hot-key combination.  In other words, Spell Check will not be activated if you press the hot-key combination for the first time while using another application, such as WinCIM.  The hot-key will call Spell Check while using another application (such as WinCIM) if Spell Check is already running.

Note:  If you want to add Spell Check to your Launch List follow the directions in you Norton Desktop User Guide page 6-6.  To run Spell Check minimized you must activate the Run Minimized feature via Spell Check's Default Settings.


Maximizing an application after a spell check

Some users prefer using their applications "maximized".  On some systems Spell Check will resize an application's window to a non-maximized state after completing a spell check.  It is possible to Modify the Strokes3.ini file to ensure that an application is returned to the maximized state after each Spell Check.

To configure Spell Check to Maximize an application after a spell check:

1  Open the file strokes3.ini using the Windows Notepad.  The stroke3.ini file is stored in the same directory as the other spell check files.

2  Scroll to desired section.  For example, "Application 2".

3  Move to the "PmailStarts" section.

4  Add the following line before "PMailEnds"

    %( )x

    Note that there is space between the ( ).  Thus, the line is %(space)x

5  If MailForumSame=yes for the application you should repeat steps 3 and 4 for the PForumStarts section.

Note:  You will need to close Spell Check and restart it after making the aforementioned changes.

Related Topics:

Modifying Strokes3.ini