I can not get spell check to work at all in Outlook nor Word documents.  I need real basic instructions please.

 I tried this idea from a prior post, but there is no dictionary file to pick.  Any other ideas?

If so, back up all these files. Add the custom dictionaries via:

• Click the File tab.
• Click Options.
• Click Proofing.
• Make sure the Suggest from main dictionary only check box is cleared.
• Click Custom Dictionaries.
• Click Add.
• Locate the folder containing the custom dictionary you want, and then double-click the dictionary file.

 I tried this idea from a prior post, but there is no dictionary file to pick.

Are there any dictionaries listed in the Dictionary List when you click File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries? If so, please make sure the check boxes before these dictionaries are ticked.

Do you mean the Spell Check not working as you type or after you click the Spelling & Grammar button?

If you mean spell check not working as you type, please go to File > Options > Proofing and select the check box before "Check spelling as you type".

If above didn't apply, please try to rename your Word template file (Normal.dotm) to Normal.old and then restart Word to check if it helps.

In addition, we can also try to run a repair of your Office installation to check the result. See:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-in/excel-help/repair-office-programs-HA010357402.aspx

For more troubleshooting steps regarding spell check not working, please refer:

http://www.timeatlas.com/5_minute_tips/annoyances/word_spell_check_woes#.U2ctxf6KAic

Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Regards,

Steve Fan
TechNet Community Support

• Marked as answer by Steve FanMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Wednesday, May 14, 2014 9:13 AM

The solution to the issue of "obviously misspelled words not being found" by spell check for Word 2013 is as follows:

Go to Review, Language, Set Proofing Language - select your default language and then - be sure to uncheck - Do not check spelling and grammar.

My issue was the check box for Do not check spelling and grammar was checked.  I do not know how this happened, but unchecking it solved the issue.