Ask Ask Mr. Modem! – April 2009     
www.MrModem.com   


Remove Spellcheck Errors

Q.  I have a problem with the dictionary in Microsoft Word. My grandson managed to add a number of misspelled words to the spell-check. Can you tell me how I can remove the misspelled words? Thank you for your wonderful newsletter. I learn something new in every issue.

A. In Word, click Tools > Options > Spelling & Grammar tab > and the Dictionaries… button to the right of CUSTOM.DIC under “Custom Dictionary:” There is usually only one dictionary listed under “Custom Dictionary.”

Next, click the Edit button on the “Custom Dictionaries” screen. A warning will appear advising that when you edit a dictionary, the automatic spell-check function is disabled.

A new window will open that displays a list of all the words that have been added to your spell-check dictionary. You can either click one word at a time, followed by the Delete button, or you can select several words by holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard as you click to select additional words, then click the Delete button.

When you have removed all erant entries, save your changes by clicking click OK in each of the three windows that you opened.

Editing the custom dictionary in Word 2007 is a bit different. (Why Microsoft decided to rearrange everything in Word 2007 is beyond me.) Open Word 2007, then click the MS Office button located in the upper left-hand corner of the window. This will open a two-column menu.

In the lower right-hand corner of this menu are two buttons. Click the Word Options button, followed by Proofing in the left-hand column, which will display your proofing options on the right side of the window.

Click the Custom Dictionaries button. Unless you have created your own dictionaries, there will be one listed, so click that dictionary, then Edit Word. Highlight the misspelled words and delete them. To save your changes, click OK in each of the windows that you opened.

Note: After removing the misspelled words, to enable automatic spell checking again click Tools > Options > Spelling & Grammar and place a check mark next to “Check spelling as you type,” followed by OK. 


Q.  I took a nice picture of my garden that I would now like to use for my background. How can I do that?

A. There are two easy methods for establishing a photo as your Desktop background or wallpaper: Go to the folder where your photo is located and right-click the photo. From the menu that appears, select “Set as Desktop background.”

Another method is to use an image-viewer program such as the free Irfanview (www.irfanview.com). When viewing a photo in Irfanview, click Options > Set as wallpaper, then click either “Centered,” “Tiled” or “Stretched,” to display the picture.


Q.  I use the TAB key to advance to the next field when I’m filling out online forms, but occasionally I get ahead of myself and need to go back. Is there a way to tab backwards without having to use the mouse?

A. Using the TAB key is the easiest way to move from one section to the next in a form. With your fingers already on the keyboard, it is faster to reach up with your left pinkie and press the TAB key than it is to take your hands off the keyboard, grab the mouse and move to the next field. To reverse direction, hold down the SHIFT key and tap the TAB key and you’ll move back through each previous field.


Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month


20 Most Amazing Coincidences
There is an old saying that there is no such thing as a coincidence, but whether you believe in fate or not, it is hard to argue with the fact that sometimes extraordinary circumstances conspire with uncanny synchronicity. This site presents a highlight reel of happenstance that will challenge even the most skeptical of visitors.
http://tinyurl.com/2b8f2g

Family Caregiving 101
If you're caring for a loved one who is ill or disabled, this site was created with you in mind. It's a great place to find assistance, answers, new ideas and helpful advice for caregivers and individuals receiving care.
www.familycaregiving101.org

Vintage Toy Encyclopedia
Stores today are filled with high-tech gadgets that provide children with mind-numbing entertainment that does little to foster creativity or imagination. By comparison, the simpler toys of yesteryear seem quaint and outdated. “Where do I insert the batteries for Mr. Potatohead, Daddy, or is it wireless?” The toys in this virtual encyclopedia are divided into three main sections, "Action Figures," "Dolls," and "Toys and Collectibles," then listed alphabetically within each category for easy browsing.
www.toyNfo.com

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