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General discussion

Unique problem running productivity software

Jun 1, 2010 1:31AM PDT

Hi everyone,

I have kind of a unique and perhaps "specialized" problem that I hope someone can help me with as it is extremely frustrating.

I am a medical transcriptionist and have used a software entitled "Abbreviate" for years - it's a word expansion program that allows me to type in sentences or paragraphs just by typing in an abbreviation for that particular paragraph.

I currently must use Word 2002 as my word processing program. The computer OS is Windows XP Pro.

I have used it for years and since I have gotten my new computer a few months ago have had nothing but problems running it. I will type along fine and all of a sudden it will get "hung up"/locked up for a brief few seconds. Then it will slowly spit out the words. If I toggle off the program, then my typing in Word is absolute fine with no "hang ups."

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling it which seemed to work fine for a day, but then it reverted back to the same behavior. The software company has been of no help altough they did send me an updated version, but this version acts the same.

I have tried changing some of the AutoCorrect settings in Word, thinking that perhaps the "Abbreviate" software was conflicting with the AutoCorrect features in Word, but that was also to no avail.

It doesn't seem isolated to Word, either. If I'm in Outlook Express writing an e-mail, it also will stutter and get hung up until I toggle off the software.

As an aside, if anyone knows of a different word expansion program that works really good, I'd be willing to try something different even though I love (or loved) this program.

Thanks for any help you can provide ... not sure if I've included enough info to diagnose the problem. Please let me know if I'm missing something.

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Just a couple of notes.
Jun 1, 2010 6:25AM PDT

What is the Operating System, (OS), on your new computer?

Are you using the same Word 2002 from the older computer, installed on this new one?

Also, I tried to find this software called Abbreviate in Google, but couldn't find anything relevant. Is there any more you can supply, eg a web site for it? Often such software will have details of their web sites in the software's Help > About option.

I just wonder if this Abbreviate software is not compatible with your new OS.

Mark

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More details
Jun 1, 2010 9:32AM PDT

Hi Mark -

Thank you for your response. I'm running Windows XP Pro on my new computer (same as the old), and it's the same Word, same one installed on my old one.

The company where I got the software is called Words+ Inc, and their website is http://www.words-plus.com. Here is direct link: http://www.abbreviate.cc/. I've been through their Help>About option and have even contacted them. They don't seem to know why it's not working. As I said they sent me an updated version for free, but the kicker is that on both versions of the software, it clearly states "Windows XP Compatible."

I think I might just have to give up on it. It's such a specialized product, and I loved running it but might have to go with something like "Instant Text" or maybe even "Shorthand for Windows." For a productivity software, it's kind of sad that I can type quicker with it turned off! lol

Anyway, thanks for any help you can provide.

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Yep, got it.
Jun 1, 2010 8:22PM PDT

Thanks for that Will.

It does seem strange doesn't it, that this Abbreviate software doesn't seem to be working on your new XP system. However, I have a couple more questions.

1] This new XP computer, how new? XP ceased to be provided in retail stores and by manufacturers sometime last year when Windows 7 was released. Can you tell us about this new computer, where you got it, and whether XP was already installed on it?

Why do I ask? We often see discussions here where users are dissatisfied with either Vista or Windows 7 and have "downgraded" to XP, only to fall foul of problems with incompatible computers, or incorrect installations because they have not found the correct drivers for XP. Windows XP no longer installs properly on newer computers, and this can cause unexpected difficulties.

So, the history of your new XP system might be helpful.

2] Word 2002. This might be the significant one.

You said that you used the same Word that you had installed on your old computer. Word 2002 is part of the Office XP (2002) suite and this suite is generally licensed only for one installation, ie onto one computer. Attempting to install on other computers, even if any previous install is 'uninstalled', can lead to licensing problems.

Such problems can lead to odd performance problems.

How did you do this? Did you contact Microsoft to confirm that you could move Word 2002 from one system to the other?

Mark

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Add'l info
Jun 1, 2010 11:52PM PDT

Thanks, Mark -

1) As for the OS, since my workplace requires XP Pro to be compatible with some of their software, I had to special order through CDW to get downgraded to XP Pro (no small task to find it out there ... I can't believe the people my company deals with can't get "with it."). The one installed is Windows XP Professional, Version 2002, service pack 3. The computer itself was just purchased in February. CDW already had it installed for me.

2) I plead the fifth as to Word 2002. It is part of a Works Suite 2005, the disk I used to install Word 2002. I do have the Windows/Word 7 on the computer but, again, the people I work with won't allow me to use it. They say those who need to access the documents would not be able to unless they're running the same version of Word.

I downloaded a trial version of "Shorthand for Windows" last night, and I'll have to see how this works. At least for now, there is absolutely no "hang up" when my abbreviation expands so we will have to see.

Thank you again for taking your time to attempt an answer to my question. I really appreciate it!

Willi

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Now that's confusing
Jun 2, 2010 2:49AM PDT
Happy

Microsoft Works suite is very different to Microsoft Office suite and they are not entirely compatible. I didn't realise that a CD with Microsoft Works would have "Word" on it, as Word normally is part of the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

I'm going to have to pass on that as my knowledge of Microsoft Works is nil.

I hope your trial of the new software you found works well for you.

Mark