subject: How to Fix MS Works Program Errors [print this page] How to Fix MS Works Program Errors How to Fix MS Works Program Errors
Microsoft Works is a smaller and less expensive version of the more popular Microsoft Office suite. Many home users like Works because it is simple and includes just a few features. Because many users rely on the word processing and calendar functions, getting MS Works program errors can severely affect their day-to-day lives.
Update
If you are receiving MS Works program errors, the first thing to do is go to the Microsoft website and check for any upgrades or patch
Patches
As errors in compatibility with other programs become known, Microsoft is developing fixes that can be downloaded and incorporated into the program. These are available on the Microsoft website as a patch or update that should fix a specific issue. For example, there is a technical issue that prevents an Office 2007 upgrade from recognizing Works 9. There are also fixes for certain mail merge problems and issues with a Clip Art Gallery update.
Uninstall
If downloading updates doesn't resolve recurring program errors, then it is time to uninstall and then reinstall the program. The best way to uninstall a program on an XP computer is to go to Start and then Control Panel. Choose Add/Remove Programs and find the program in question. Choose to remove it. You may also see a Remove option if you have the original program CD.
Run Chkdsk
Once the program has been removed from the system, it is a good idea to run a Chkdsk before reinstalling to fix any other errors that might prevent the program from running correctly. To do this, go to Start and then to Run. In the prompt, type in: cmd. Click on OK. Then type in: chkdsk c: (where c is the drive you wish to check). You can also type in: chkdsk c: /f /r to fix any errors it finds and to locate bad sectors and recover readable information. The computer will likely reboot in order to complete the process.
Reinstall
Once you have the system in top shape, you can reinstall the MS Works program. Note that if you have a particularly aggressive antivirus program, it might interfere with the installation of MS Works. You can resolve this issue by temporarily disabling your antivirus program, installing MS Works and then reinstalling.
Memory Error
Users of HP printers will often see an "Out of Memory" error when they are trying to print from an MS Works application. You need to use the 550c or 990c drivers to print from Works. To do this in XP, go to Start and then Control Panel. Select Printers and Faxes. Click on Add Printer, then Next. Choose Local and then Next. Choose USB 001 as the port and click Next. Now find the Printer list. Choose HP Deskjet 990c or 550c printer. Choose Next. Now choose HP from the manufacturer's list and choose this as the default printer.
