Q107738

• Microsoft Word for Windows, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

Word version 6.0 for Windows issues the "Word cannot start the converter WPFT5.CNV" error message when trying to open a WordPerfect document.

CAUSE

If you press the ESC key while converting a WordPerfect document that contains an equation while the equation converter is actually being used, Word will leave the equation converter in memory. The next time you try to run the converter, you'll get a message saying "Word cannot start the converter Wpft5.cnv." Again, this happens only if you press the ESC key during the portion of conversion that the equation converter is actually being used.

This can also be caused by either one of the following conditions:

• a line in the Win.ini file under the [Extensions] section referring to CNV. This line is inserted when files with the extension CNV are associated with a program in File Manager. Any CNV reference in the [Extensions] section will cause this error. Removing the references to CNV in the [Extensions] section will resolve the problem.



• an incorrect entry for the Wpft5.cnv in the [MSWord Text Converters] section of the Winword6.ini file, even though this converter is listed correctly in the Win.ini. The Winword6.ini file is read during Word startup and settings in this file take precedence over settings in the Win.ini. To correct the problem, either correct the entry to match the entry in the Win.ini or remove the entry from the Winword6.ini.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

RESOLUTION

To unload the equation converter, you must quit Windows. The best workaround is to not press the ESC key while converting files with equations in them.

MORE INFORMATION

The ESC key is used to cancel conversion when importing a foreign file.

Additional query words: textconv

Keywords : kbconversion
Issue type :
Technology :