Repair SpellCheck in XP Outlook Express

Cause
Outlook Express does not have a spell checker. It can make use of the spell checker in Microsoft Office 95 or later, or Microsoft Works (later versions, which include Microsoft Word) if present. However, a system file csapi3t1.dll that is required in order to make use of the spell checker is not installed by Windows XP.

Solution:
Note: Obtain a copy of the missing file csapi3t1.dll and place it in the folder "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof".


Method 1:

Expend csapi3t1.dll from XP CD

• 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)



• Click the Expand File... button to open the Expand One File from Installation Source window. (See 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.
• Download any dll files from Click Here

Method 2

• Download a copy of the file by clicking on this link. Just run the downloaded file to install it into its usual location.
• Launch Outlook Express and navigate to Tools Options Spelling tab. Ensure there is a checkmark next to the Always Check Spelling Before Sending option.
• Open Control Panel, Regional Settings. Check under Regional Options that the language selected is the same as that used by Microsoft Office, i.e. English (United States) or English (United Kingdom).
• Open Outlook Express, Tools, Options, Spelling tab and check that the language selected there is the same as selected above. (One reader from an English-speaking region outside the US found selecting English (United States) solved the problem.)

Method 3

• Using the Registry Editor, expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, SOFTWARE, Microsoft, Shared Tools and check that the value SharedFilesDir contains "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\" or whatever is the parent of your Proof folder. The full long filename and the backslash at the end of the path are both important. You can download a file oeproof.reg (right-click the link and select Save Target As...) and then double-click it to do this automatically, but only use this .reg file ONLY if your Proof folder is in C:\Program Files, not some other location.
• Reboot the system and check OE for proper spell checking functions.

Method 4

Download/install Spell Checker for OE 2.1

Note: If all of the above are correct, and spell checking still doesn't work, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works.