OFF2000: Cannot Insert or Preview CGM Files While Logged in as User or Guest on Windows NT 4.0

• Microsoft Office 2000
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

If you insert a Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) into any Microsoft Office application on Windows NT 4.0, the graphic may not insert properly. Specifically, the graphic may import as a white square, a black square, or may not insert at all. The graphic may not preview properly, either.

CAUSE

If you are logged-in as a User, a Guest, or another type of customized user account, this error may occur. The CGM filter attempts to open a registry key with Read/Write privileges, and this key is locked by default on these accounts.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, you must log-in as the Administrator of the local machine, and change the registry permissions for the CGM import filter key.

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.


WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys and Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

1. Log-in with Administrative privileges.



2. On the Windows Start menu, click Run. In the Open box, type regedt32, and click OK.



3. Locate the following key in the registry.
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Graphics Filters\Import\CGM
   
   Click to select this key.



4. On the Security menu, click Permissions.



5. Click Everyone, then select Full Control in the Type of Access list.



6. Click OK, and exit Registry Editor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Office version 2000 for Windows NT 4.0.

Additional query words:

Keywords          : kbgraphic kbdta kbconvert 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug 

Last Reviewed: June 8, 1999