Repair SpellCheck in XP Outlook Express

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Repair SpellCheck in XP Outlook Express

Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof
Delete the CSAPI3T1.DLL file if it is present. If it's missing just proceed to the next step.
Insert the Windows XP CD and close the window that opens if AutoRun is enabled.
Click Start | Run and in the Open: box type msconfig and click OK (See Fig. 01)

Fig. 01

Click the Expand File... button to open the Expand One File from Installation Source window. (See Fig. 02)

Fig. 02

Make the following entries in the Expand One File from Installation Source window.
File to Restore: Enter CSAPI3T1.DLL
[Note: This entry must be hand typed rather than using the Browse File... button]
Restore From: Enter G:\i386\CSAPI3T1.DL_ (Change the G in G:\ to the letter of your CD Drive)
[Note: This entry must be hand typed rather than using the Browse From... button]
Save File In: Enter C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof
[Note: This entry can be made by using the Browse To... button]
Click the Expand button. There will be no outward indication that the procedure was successful. The Expand One File from Installation Source window will close and you'll be returned to the System Configuration Utility window. Click OK to close System Configuration Utility.

If you prefer not to expand the file from your own XP CD or can't get the procedure to work properly;
Download Expanded CSAPI3T1.DLL File
directly into C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof

Open Windows Explorer and again navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof
Find the file that was expanded, CSAPI3T1.DL_ , and rename it to CSAPI3T1.DLL
Launch Outlook Express and navigate to Tools | Options | Spelling tab. Ensure there is a checkmark next to the Always Check Spelling Before Sending option.
Reboot the system and check OE for proper spell checking functions.

January 25, 2006 - I had to laugh today. I received a very cryptic one line e-mail from someone that had obviously tried this procedure. It said:

"You should start by mentioning that it is necessary to have one of the Microsoft applications installed for spell checking to work."

Perhaps I just assume too much at times, but when I name the article "Repair SpellCheck in XP Outlook Express" I think it goes without saying the word 'Repair' indicates the function was previously installed and working. And yes, it is true that it's necessary to have a Microsoft application installed for the function to work initially.

If you're looking for a free spell check application for Outlook Express and don't have Microsoft Works or one of the Microsoft Office apps installed, do an internet search. There are more freebies available than you can imagine. On the other hand, if you're looking to restore functionality to a feature you are entitled to -and- that was previously working, give the procedure a try.