Simple clear advice in plain English

Why won't Auto Correct work in Openoffice?

We solve a problem caused by a misbehaving Auto Correct feature

q-a-logo

Q I am using Openoffice and have a problem with the Auto Correct feature. I am trying to use it to enter text. I have entered my own words into the list, but when I am typing they are not recognised at all; however, the ‘default’ words that are already there in the list are recognised.

For example, when I type ‘fe’ I want it correcting to ‘Fiona’, but it just won’t do this. I have tried many words but can’t get any of my own words recognised or corrected.

David Scrivo

A Click on the Tools menu, then Auto Correct. Make sure the Replace tab is selected, left-click on it if the text is not in bold. Type the code in the Replace text box and the full text in the With box. Now click on New to confirm the change. It’s not obvious but you have to click on New after entering the text. Click on OK when you have finished adding the replacement words.

If it still isn’t working, it may be that it has been disabled. Click on the Tools menu and then Auto Correct. Click on the Option tab. Make sure there are ticks in both boxes in the Use replacement table. Click on OK.

Baffled by jargon? See our free online jargon buster

Article tags

Reader Comments

Autocorrect does not work

I'm doing everything you prescribe but still Autocorrect does not work.

Posted by Mike, 14 May 2012

   

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related articles

Explore Open Office Writer illustration

Using Open Office Writer a free alternative to Microsoft Word

We explain how to download and use this useful Open Office application

Extensions for Open Office Writer

Use Open Office Writer as a free alternative to Microsoft Word

Open Office Writer is a great piece of software that has hundreds of features. Here we show you 10 lesser-known features that you might not have discovered yet

Treesize Free tip 1 screenshot

How to prevent PC problems

Follow our useful tips to solve common problems using Windows or free software

Question & Answer

Q.Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange...

> Read the answer

Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?

> Read the answer

Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...

> Read the answer

Best deals on the web

img

Samsung RV520-A07

£359.98- Buy it now

img

Acer Aspire 5750G (LX.RXP02.019)

£399.99- Buy it now

img

Apple MacBook Pro (MD313B/A)

£904.37- Buy it now

Latest issue & subscription deals

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

CAD

Computer Aided Design. Software used to create 3D models.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive