Handwriting recognition in Windows XP

With the handwriting-recognition feature, you can use your handwriting instead of a keyboard to enter text. You can write by using a handwriting input device, such as a digital pen or stylus, or by moving your mouse pointer. The computer converts your handwritten words to typed characters, and then inserts the text exactly where you want it.


Handwriting Recognition Requirements

To use handwriting recognition, you need the following:

1. A writing tool. The minimum requirement for a writing tool is a mouse. To write with your mouse, press and hold down the primary mouse button, and then move the mouse pointer to form characters. The recommended tool is a handwriting input device, such as a pen stylus and tablet, connected to your computer through a serial port or USB port. Graphics tablets that are used with three-dimensional (3-D) drawing or computer-aided design (CAD) programs can also be used.

2. The Microsoft handwriting-recognition engine installed on a Windows XP-based computer.

Programs that support handwriting recognition in Windows XP include the following:

1. Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.
Handwriting is supported in text boxes that are displayed in Web pages, but not on the Address bar.

2. Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 or later.

3. All Microsoft Office XP programs.

4. Other programs that are enabled to use the Microsoft handwriting-recognition engine.
The handwriting-recognition engine is language-specific. The engine is currently available for the following languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.

How to Determine Whether the Handwriting Recognition Engine Is Installed

To determine whether the handwriting recognition is installed on your computer, follow the below steps:

1. Click Start--> click Control Panel--> click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options--> and then click Regional and Language Options.

2. Click the Languages tab.

3. Under Text services and input languages--> click Details.

4. Under Installed services--> click Add.

If Handwriting recognition is listed as an option in the Add Input Language dialog box, the handwriting-recognition engine is installed. If it is not listed, the engine is not installed.

How to Install Handwriting Recognition if Microsoft Office XP Is Installed

1. Click Start--> click Control Panel--> and then click Add or Remove Programs.

2. Click Change or Remove Programs--> click Microsoft Office XP--> and then click Change.

3. Click Add or Remove Features--> and then click Next.

4. In the Features to install list--> expand Office Shared Features.

5. Expand Alternative User Input.

6. Click the box to the left of Handwriting--> and then click Run from My Computer.

7. Click Update.

When you are prompted, insert the Office XP CD-ROM into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, or click Browse to locate the Office XP installation files, and then click OK.
The handwriting-recognition engine is installed.