[kill bill]

When I set up my Imac, I transfered the data from my powerbook through firewire. As a result, I had a few files that registered as read only. I think this might be the case with the dictionary in Microsoft Word. How can I make the dictionary open to new words?

[peeb]

This might be one of the few cases where a 'repair permissions' is appropriate. You can also find the dictionary, and use Command (Apple) i to open the info pane then set the permissions by hand.
BTW what makes you think this is the case?

[kill bill]

Well, I don't know that this is the case, but it would certainly make a lot of sense. When I control click a word that the dictionary doesn't know, "add" appears in the drop down menu, but it is greyed out. What could cause that?

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by peeb 

This might be one of the few cases where a 'repair permissions' is appropriate.

Only if it's Office 2008. Repairing permissions will have no effect on previous versions.

[Art Vandelay]

Originally Posted by peeb 

You can also find the dictionary, and use Command (Apple) i to open the info pane then set the permissions by hand.

I'd think custom dictionary words would be saved in a preference file, not in the dictionary file that would be shared by all users.

[peeb]

You're right - the custom dictionary file, not the actual dictionary file.