Why can't I insert a Windows Metafile in Word 2003?

[unowho6]

I use a design program (cheap but effective) at work and occasionally
need to insert these diagrams in reports which I write in Word 2003.
What I always did was export the drawing and it saved it as a Windows
Metafile.
I would then insert it in Word and all was well (Insert...Picture....from
file...)
Now when I try it a box comes up asking to convert the file from.... I
select WMF and click OK. Then a box comes with an error message.
I've tried everything and my IT was no help.
Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Cindy M.]

Hi =?Utf-8?B?dW5vd2hvNg==?=,

I use a design program (cheap but effective) at work and occasionally
need to insert these diagrams in reports which I write in Word 2003.
What I always did was export the drawing and it saved it as a Windows
Metafile.
I would then insert it in Word and all was well (Insert...Picture....from
file...)
Now when I try it a box comes up asking to convert the file from.... I
select WMF and click OK. Then a box comes with an error message.
I've tried everything and my IT was no help.
Anyone got any ideas?

Is this with only one, particular file? With all new files? Also with older
files? How about wmf files *not* generated by the "design program"?

What is the exact error message?

Cindy Meister
INTER-Solutions, Switzerland
http://homepage.swissonline.ch/cindymeister (last update Jun 17 2005)
http://www.word.mvps.org

This reply is posted in the Newsgroup; please post any follow question or
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[unowho6]

It happens with all the WMF files I've tried, both new ones I've just created
and old ones I had. I've never tried it with a WMF from another source. I'll
try and find one to try.
After you select Insert a conversion box appeares and asks you to convert it
to "convert file from".
I select Windows Meta File and then hit OK.
The next box that appears says...
"An error occured while importing this file. C:\Documents and
Settings\Owner.UNIVAC\" and then the file name.

I also called a co-worker at another location and he tried the same thing
with the same results. Now we're both baffled.

 

[Cindy M.]

It happens with all the WMF files I've tried, both new ones I've just created

and old ones I had. I've never tried it with a WMF from another source. I'll
try and find one to try.
After you select Insert a conversion box appeares and asks you to convert it
to "convert file from".
I select Windows Meta File and then hit OK.
The next box that appears says...
"An error occured while importing this file. C:\Documents and
Settings\Owner.UNIVAC\" and then the file name.

I also called a co-worker at another location and he tried the same thing
with the same results. Now we're both baffled.

In this case, if you haven't already done so, you should contact your IT
department. It sounds as if a general update or change has been applied to all
your systems. My best guess would be that the wmf file converter was removed,
but it might also be some kind of security update.

As a workaround: are you able to open a wmf file in your Designer (or Windows
Paint), copy it and paste into Word?

Cindy Meister
INTER-Solutions, Switzerland
http://homepage.swissonline.ch/cindymeister (last update Jun 17 2005)
http://www.word.mvps.org

This reply is posted in the Newsgroup; please post any follow question or reply
in the newsgroup and not by e-mail

 

[unowho6]

I have contacted my IT people and they are working on it.

When I open the files in paint it opens them as a negativewhich is a little
tough to use.

Thanks much for your help!
Kevin