RELEASE NOTES (Crossword Writer 1.00)

xww.exe v1.00 Release Notes Links



RELEASE NOTES   (Crossword Writer 1.00)

A. * * * COMMANDS/MENU SUMMARY * * *
B. ABOUT VERSION 1.00
C. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
D. CROSSWORD WRITER BASIC FEATURES
E. ABOUT DISABLED FEATURES
F. INSTALLING/UNINSTALLING
G. Q&A

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A. * * * COMMANDS/MENU SUMMARY * * *

     1. Functions might be available from the menu, keyboard, buttons or multiple locations, and most can be found on the menu for easy reference.  Experiment with the menu and editing characteristics and you will find Crossword Writer easy and natural to use.  Don't worry about remembering what each keyboard command does; most will become obvious as you use the program.  See the Q&A section for more information and other keyboard commands.

     2. Editing Keys:  (User preferences change some editing characteristics)

         A to Z - (Symbols and numbers not supported in version 1.00)
         SPACE - Delete a character, move forward (right or down).
         BACKSPACE - Move backward (left or up), optionally delete a character.
         INSERT - Add blackout(s) to puzzle (independent of mouse edit mode).
         DELETE - Delete blackout(s) from puzzle (independent of mouse edit mode).
         LEFT/RIGHT/UP/DOWN - Move cursor on puzzle, optionally toggle across/down mode.
         TAB - Tab forward to next word.
         Shift+TAB - Tab backward to previous word.
         ENTER - Tab forward to next word.
         PGDN/PGUP - Same as TAB/Shift+TAB.
         HOME/END - Move cursor to top left or bottom right of puzzle.

     3. Function Keys:

         F1 - TOGGLE active direction between across and down.
         F2 - EDIT CLUE (or add/select clue) for current word (if word is complete).
         F3 - AutoWord.  Search backward in the database for words that fit in the current position.
         F4 - AutoWord.  Search forward in the database for words that fit in the current position.
         F5 - AutoSolve.  Automatically fill empty squares with words.  (Disabled in version 1.00)
         F9 - ADD GRID to database.  Add the current grid (template) to your database.
         F10 - REMOVE GRID from database.  Remove the current grid (template) from your database.
         F12 - REMOVE WORD from database.  Remove the current word from your database.

     4. Ctrl+_ Commands:

         Ctrl+A - AutoSolve.  (Disabled in version 1.00)
         Ctrl+B - BLACKOUT all empty squares.  (Use for faster data entry)
         Ctrl+C - Find next empty CLUE.  Go to next word with a missing clue.
         Ctrl+D - Check for DUPLICATE entries.  (Displays list or shows result in the message center)
         Ctrl+E - Error Check.  Check puzzle for potential errors.
         Ctrl+F - FIND word in puzzle.  Go directly to the specified word.
         Ctrl+G - GRID search.  Cycle through templates saved in your database.
         Ctrl+I - PUZZLE INFORMATION (Properties).  View/edit information for current puzzle.
         Ctrl+L - OPEN LAST puzzle saved.  (Use to continue editing your most recent puzzle)
         Ctrl+M - MIRROR/ROTATE current puzzle.  (Can have very interesting results)
         Ctrl+O - OPEN existing puzzle to view or edit.
         Ctrl+P - PRINT puzzle.  Print to any printer available on your computer.
         Ctrl+R - REDO.  Redo the last undo action if available.
         Ctrl+S - SAVE puzzle.
         Ctrl+V - REVIEW words and clues.  (Provides option to print the list)
         Ctrl+W - AutoWord.  Search the database for words that fit in the current position.
         Ctrl+X - Clear current word in puzzle.
         Ctrl+Y - Fix or check symmetry.  (Uses your preference of adding or deleting blackouts)
         Ctrl+Z - UNDO.  Undo the last action (some actions may not apply).

     5. Ctrl+Alt+_ Commands:

         Ctrl+Alt+A - Clear ALL squares in current puzzle.
         Ctrl+Alt+B - Clear BLACKOUTS in current puzzle.
         Ctrl+Alt+D - Open new puzzle using the DEFAULT size.
         Ctrl+Alt+L - Clear LETTERS in current puzzle.
         Ctrl+Alt+R - Force display to RESET.
         Ctrl+Alt+U - Re-enable automatic UPDATING.  (Prompt will indicate when available)

     6. Ctrl+Shift+_ Commands:

         Ctrl+Shift+I - IMPORT from *.xwi (Database Import Files).  (Disabled in version 1.00)
         Ctrl+Shift+H - Use alternate HIGHLIGHT cursor for black squares (on/off).
         Ctrl+Shift+O - OVERRIDE default maximum size for new puzzles.
         Ctrl+Shift+R - REPLACE your database.  (Disabled in version 1.00)
         Ctrl+Shift+X - EXPORT your database.  (Disabled in version 1.00)

     7. Menu Commands:  (Most of the functions above, plus the following...)

         File...New - Select any size and start a new puzzle.
         File...Save As - Save current puzzle with a new name.
         Edit...Save Puzzle State (Bookmark) - Save a specific undo point.
         Edit...Load Saved State (Restore) - Restore to the last bookmarked state.
         Options...Automatic Symmetry - Turn automatic symmetry on/off.
         Options...Always On Top - Keep Crossword Writer on top of other windows.
         Options...Default Size at Startup - Specify default size for new puzzles.
         Options...Preferences - Set miscellaneous preferences.  (Experiment for best results!)
         Tools...Backup Database - Overwrite or restore your backup database
         Help...Session Log - Provides summary of current session.  (Data is destroyed on exit)

     8. Miscellaneous:  (Located on main window)

         Message Center - Displays results for some functions.
         Mouse Edit Mode (on/off) - Use the mouse to add/delete blackout(s).
         Previous/Next Grid - Cycle through templates saved in your database.  (See Ctrl+G)

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B. ABOUT VERSION 1.00

     1. Crossword Writer 1.00 is not a demo program and it is not shareware.  You may have heard the term freeware but more accurately Crossword Writer 1.00 is proprietary software with use and distribution restrictions.  See the license agreement (Help menu).

     2. To run Crossword Writer 1.00 use (a) the start menu (b) select the program directly or (c) create a shortcut to run the program.  Crossword Writer 1.00 does not make any registry changes and does not use any other files on your computer so the default directory (Start in...) is where it expects to find itself, the original word/clue database and all user settings (puzzle files can be located anywhere).  You can set puzzle files (*.xw1) to open with Crossword Writer if you choose (see Q&A section for more information).

     3. Crossword Writer 1.00 contains a selection of functions from a much larger project.  Since your database and puzzle files can be used with any version, Crossword Writer 1.00 is not considered restricted or limited.  This version is specifically intended to be very compact, make no changes to a user's computer, run easily on old computer hardware, and still have great performance in the automatic management functions for your word and clue database.

     4. There is no license key to enter, no registration process, and no request for any payment or donation.  Crossword Writer 1.00 doesn't install files or any other information to any location other than the installation directory, doesn't require any other files to run, doesn't contain any form of spyware, and will not access your internet connection for any reason.

     5. Crossword Writer 1.00 has been offered to you free of charge and there may be limited technical support.  If updates are deemed necessary then a free upgrade patch will be made available as soon as possible.  An upgrade patch may also contain additional features. 

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C. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

     Minimum system requirements:
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     300 MHz processor
     1 MB disk space
     128 MB RAM
     800x600 resolution video adapter and monitor
     Windows(r) 95/NT4
     Keyboard, Mouse

     Recommended system requirements:
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     1.0 GHz or higher processor
     20 MB hard-disk space
     256 MB RAM or higher
     Windows(r) 2000/XP or later
     1024x768 or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
     Keyboard, Mouse

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D. CROSSWORD WRITER BASIC FEATURES ! ! !

     Crossword Writer...

     ...searches your database for words that fit in the current position.  As you search, matching words are displayed in the puzzle so you can see exactly how they fit.  Cycle backward or forward through the database to find the perfect match.  Crossword Writer 1.00 gets you started with a database containing over 90,000 miscellaneous words.

     ...automatically adds new words and clues to your database.  As you use new words (or phrases) and enter at least one clue for that word, the word and clue are automatically added to your database.  When you open a puzzle file, all of those words and clues are automatically (and instantly) added to your database also.

     ...automatically remembers the clues you use most.  When you enter a word, the most recent clue you used for that word is automatically displayed.  You can use the default clue, edit the clue, select a different available clue, or add a new clue for that word.  The more you use Crossword Writer the more it remembers the clues you like most.  Only a few clues are initially included, so your style of writing will be reflected in your database the more you use the program.

     ...prints crossword puzzles in a commonly accepted format.  You can print puzzles with a previous solution, with the current solution or don't include any solution at all.  You may be printing a puzzle to publish in a newsletter, to let a friend solve, or to submit to a publisher or editor for review.  If you print many crossword puzzles, you can use a gray shade for blackouts and conserve ink.

     ...saves puzzles with additional information.  Puzzle files contain information including the title, author, editor, published date, miscellaneous notes, copyright, the previous puzzle solution, and other information.  Some of this information is used for printing, some to identify the puzzle (before and after you open it), and some just for a reminder by entering whatever you want.  Authors, editors, and publishers can all use this information.  An author may want to comment about who has seen the puzzle and an editor or publisher may make comments about the author, document changes, or use the information to manage their crossword puzzles.  If you're printing a puzzle to submit, ask if they have any version of Crossword Writer and submit the puzzle file instead.  A typical complete 15x15 puzzle is approximately 2 KB.

     ...adapts editing characteristics to match your style.  You can change characteristics such as allow the cursor to wrap around borders, automatic tabbing, allow spacebar or characters to ignore blackouts, automatically toggle direction between across and down, and more.  Don't like the open/save routine with the additional information it supplies? - use the Windows(r) open/save style instead.  Don't like to be warned when changes aren't saved? - turn that warning off, and more.  Don't like your database being automatically updated? - Make it ask first.  Adjust the characteristics to match your style, and editing and navigating around a crossword puzzle will be just as easy as typing a letter.

     ...allows you to concentrate on entering words and clues without having to worry about anything else.  You can make changes to your grid at any time without affecting words and clues already entered in other areas of your puzzle.  You don't have to worry about corrupting the clues or the clue numbers because everything is instantly adjusted when you make any change.  If you erase a word and enter it again in another location your clue instantly comes back.

     ...loads and exits fast, so you can focus on writing puzzles.  There are no advertisements and no unnecessary delays.  Crossword Writer is a very easy tool to use, and you aren't required to perform any extra steps.  It's as simple as picking up a pencil and sheet of paper.

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E. ABOUT DISABLED FEATURES

     Note:  These features are excluded from Crossword Writer 1.00, but this exclusion does not impact the usefulness of the program or compatibility with other versions.  This version is considered a complete program and disabled features are not an indication that Crossword Writer 1.00 is restricted or limited.  Some of these features and others are under consideration to include in a free update patch.  All features are subject to change until officially released.

     - AutoSolve (Edit menu/F5/Ctrl+A) - AutoSolve automatically completes empty squares in your puzzle using certain words and clues from your database.  Some puzzle grids take a second to complete while extremely complicated puzzles can take much longer (if a solution is possible).  AutoSolve attempts to create an original puzzle every time, but it can't guarantee a quality puzzle.  AutoSolve can't help get your puzzles published and AutoSolve can't do what only a human can - create original puzzle themes and original puzzle clues.  AutoSolve will be included in some versions, but you should still carefully edit your puzzles to ensure the desired content.  Open the sample puzzle from the help menu to see an example of an unedited puzzle created with AutoSolve (the sample took only a second to create).  Although AutoSolve works on an empty grid, six words were entered into the sample puzzle before AutoSolve was used.

     - Import Database (Tools menu/Ctrl+Shift+I) - Database Import Files (*.xwi) contain a specific collection of words, phrases, clues and/or grid templates.  Other versions of Crossword Writer do not come with the original database (to protect the information you have collected), but they do come with xww100.xwi which is a Database Import File containing all the information in the original database.  This function allows you to add to your database, or replace your database with information contained in an import file.  If you don't have an existing database or you need to restore the original, then you can import xww100.xwi.  You can also quickly add information from other sources or use this function to provide for multiple specialized or backup database files.

     - Export Database (Tools menu/Ctrl+Shift+X) - Exports your current database to a Database Import File (*.xwi) or to a text file.  This allows you to quickly create a custom import file or a text file containing a complete list of all words, phrases and clues in your active database.

     - Replace Database (Ctrl+Shift+R) - Replaces your database with the contents of your exported text file.  This is an alternate method to edit the contents and quickly update your database.

     - Names, dates, favorites, difficulty rating, gimmickry, comparisons, comments, sources, call logs, testing, feedback, database editing, searching for similar or duplicate puzzles, expanded puzzle formats (user defined for other styles or unusual themes), historical records, protecting certain information, and too many other things to list.  Your database file and all of your puzzle files are already designed to store and use all this information and more.  If you change a puzzle file that was created with another version, all this information is preserved, even though it might not be used.  An almost unlimited amount of space is reserved in your files for additional information that may be of use to other versions.  Most importantly, puzzles you create now and all the words and clues you collect will not become outdated to any version of Crossword Writer.

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F. INSTALLING / UNINSTALLING

     1. What happens when I run Install_CrosswordWriter_100.exe?

         a) You confirm the directory to install to (usually ..\Program Files\Crossword Writer).
         b) xww.exe is copied to your computer.
         c) xww.xw1 (sample crossword puzzle) is copied to your computer.
         d) xww.xww (word/phrase/clue/grid database) is copied to your computer.
         e) Crossword Writer is added to your start menu.
         f) NOTHING ELSE! (No registry changes, no hidden files, no shortcuts, etc.)

     2. What does Crossword Writer 1.00 do to my computer while I'm using it?

         a) User settings, puzzles, backups and database files may be created in the default directory.  Puzzle files can be in any location you select.
         b) No other files are saved or used on your computer.

     3. How do I uninstall Crossword Writer 1.00?

         a) Delete the files or directory you no longer want (..\Program Files\Crossword Writer).
         b) Delete Crossword Writer from your start menu if you delete the program (xww.exe).

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G. Q&A

*****1. Why does Crossword Writer (fill in the blank) and can you fix it?

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 has very few embellishments and many features have been simplified, but all should perform their task as indicated.  Reliability remains a requirement, and if updates are required to correct a problem then a free upgrade patch will be made available as soon as possible.  With a little experimentation, you should find that all functions have a great purpose, and all should be very easy to learn and use.

*****2. Why does the cursor seem to jump around when tabbing to the next word in down mode?

         A) The next down word in sequence is where the cursor is going.  If the cursor is at the end or in the middle of a down word, the cursor will tab to the beginning of the next down word, which might move the cursor up on the puzzle.

*****3. I click the button to display the next grid from the database but no grid is displayed.

         A) You don't have any grid templates saved in your database for the current size puzzle (except maybe the one already displayed).

*****4. I can't undo to my previous grid (or previous word) after searching for a grid (or a word).

         A) Undo will restore to the last state before you began your search.  There is no need to save everything you are searching through because you can use Previous Grid or Previous Word to display your search results in reverse.

*****5. The taskbar is covering the bottom row of my crossword puzzle.

         A) This might only happen at certain resolutions with certain odd-sized crossword puzzles.  One solution is to right-click the Windows(r) taskbar or start button and change the properties for the taskbar (check Auto-hide or uncheck Keep the taskbar on top).  Another solution is to select Options...Always on Top from the menu to force Crossword Writer to stay on top of other windows.  You might have to minimize Crossword Writer to work with other programs when you have this option set.

*****6. I have hundreds of crossword puzzles from another program, is there a quick way to import them to Crossword Writer?

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 does not convert or import crossword puzzles, but by changing the editing characteristics you can make them much easier to enter (see Q&A #10 below).

*****7. I get a message that my database could not be verified and can't be used anymore.

         A) Disk errors can potentially cause this, but the most common cause is that someone opened the database with another program such as a text editor and inadvertently corrupted the database.  Any attempt at editing the database can cause unexpected results so Crossword Writer 1.00 will not attempt to recover altered data.  You should keep a recent backup copy (Tools...Backup) so if an error occurs you can restore your database.  If all else fails, reinstall Crossword Writer 1.00 to copy the original database back to your computer.  If you have a newer version of Crossword Writer, reinstalling version 1.00 will not replace your newer program but any existing database in the destination directory (valid or corrupt) will be overwritten with the original database file if you choose to reinstall.  If your lost data is important, rename the corrupt database first so other versions of Crossword Writer can attempt recovery.

*****8. I have some puzzle files that are 50x50, but Crossword Writer only lets me select 32x32.

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 will automatically open puzzle files up to 50x50.  You can create new puzzles up to 50x50 if you override the default limit (see COMMANDS/MENU SUMMARY above).  Crossword Writer 1.00 has been designed to only consider up to 32x32 puzzles, but to keep all puzzle files and all database files compatible for all versions, 50x50 is being allowed (by using the override).

*****9. Why doesn't Crossword Writer display the clue numbers in the grid while editing?

         A) Clue numbers on the grid while you're editing the puzzle is one of the embellishments that was stripped from Crossword Writer 1.00.  Most people prefer to develop puzzles using an unnumbered grid, and you can still move the cursor to any word and instantly get the information you're looking for.  Clue numbers are 100% automatically managed - you only have to worry about actual clues you enter if they reference another clue number.  Puzzles are still printed exactly as you would expect them to be.  Other versions may give you the option of turning clue number display on or off.

*****10. What are some tips that might not be too obvious?

         A) To see if you've entered all the clues yet, click the message center one time and it'll tell you.  You can also use the tilde key (under the escape key) to do the same thing - or just press Ctrl+C and if there's an empty clue, the cursor will go directly to that word.  If you want to quickly add mirrored grid patterns (Ctrl+M) to the database, you don't have to release the Ctrl key since F9 and F10 work with the Ctrl key pressed.  To quickly enter an existing puzzle onto a blank grid, set preferences to automatically tab to the next word, start in the upper left corner and enter a continuous stream of just the across words typing a space for the black squares, then press Ctrl+B and you're done (if the words already have clues in your database, they are automatically and instantly loaded).  Get the words right first!  After you've constructed the grid just right, if you need extra time to work on the clues, print a text list of the words and clues so you can ponder and make just the right changes.  Learn to use the keyboard as much as possible instead of relying on the mouse - it can be much faster and more satisfying when you get used to how things work.  If you want to change a clue for a specific word and you can't get your eyes on it right away, use Find Word (Ctrl+F) to take the cursor directly there.  Use Ctrl+F again to take you to the next match if there's a duplicate entry.  A [?] will match a blank space only, so A?C will take you to A-blank-C if such an entry exists.  Are you playing another word game and ?WO?? is your only clue?  Enter the W and O into a five-letter area and use AutoWord.  You may get a solution such as AWOKE, SWOOP or SWORD.  For many functions, if you're not sure what just happened, the message center may contain the result.  You might be able to troubleshoot some things by looking at the session log (Help menu).  There are many little tricks that are specific to each individual user - experiment with everything (including the editing characteristics) to see what works best for you.  Many functions can be accessed in more than one way - try them all!

*****11. I don't like clicking the arrow or pressing F1 to change the direction between across and down, and there are a few more things I'm not very comfortable with.

         A) You can change how the arrow keys work by selecting Options...Preferences.  Try turning on the option that automatically toggles across/down mode (the author's personal preference is off).  Try a combination of the other preferences to make your editing experience comfortable and natural for you.  If you find all your changes haven't worked out too well, select the default settings and start over!

*****12. Why am I getting a message that there was an error writing to disk?

         A) Your disk might be full, you may not have permission to access that location, the disk may be write-protected, there may be too many files in your computer's root directory, there was a disk media error, or maybe a dozen other things could have happened.  You won't lose your existing database or backup file but if you were saving a puzzle then that puzzle file might have been lost.  Try saving the puzzle to a different location.  Check the session log (Help menu) to see if a specific error description is available.

*****13. Why am I getting a message that there was a printer error?

         A) Make sure your printer is plugged in, turned on, and on-line (usually indicated by a light).  Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB or other printer connection cable.  Try disconnecting and reconnecting the printer's power cable.  Open your printer folder from the start menu or the control panel and select your printer to troubleshoot the problem (and probably cancel all those extra print attempts).  Try restarting your computer.  If you are not receiving an error message but still can't print your puzzles, check for the same problems.

*****14. Why can't I get my puzzle to print correctly?

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 uses a quick print method that typically prints to letter size forms (8-1/2 x 11 in.) or similar and sets your printer to portrait orientation (instead of landscape).  Larger puzzles may require more than one page to print all the information and some specialized printer drivers may prevent multiple pages from printing correctly.  Most printer drivers (such as print to PDF) will work fine with your default settings.  If you have a printer driver that uses a different output size or orientation and puzzles aren't printing correctly, try changing the print properties or preferences after you've selected the puzzle to print.  Support for flexible printing and direct support for BMP files may be included in other versions to help you fine-tune your puzzles for publishing.  One interesting note - some printer drivers will change the active directory on your computer after you select them so the next time you use "File...Open" the directory won't be where you left it.  This is not an error with Crossword Writer, and it won't affect your database or puzzle files, you just have to select your directory again (or you can use the default button to go directly back where you started the program).

*****15. When I open or save puzzles, I can only select the current drive.

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 uses an open/save routine that does not show other drives, hidden directories, and some other information, but it does display information about puzzles before you open them and also will allow you to jump directly to your main program directory.  If you want to access any possible location, use Options...Preferences and check the box to use Windows(r) open/save style.

*****16. Why didn't Crossword Writer warn me to save my puzzle before I searched for a new template?

         A) Searching for a template is an action you can undo (Ctrl+Z).  You will receive warnings when necessary - just be careful if you turned the warnings off (Options...Preferences).

*****17. Why do I get the message that the database is partially disabled when I click on puzzle files to start Crossword Writer?

         A) Partially disabled means that if user settings and a database are found in the default directory (where the puzzle is) then all that information will be loaded and used, but when you exit Crossword Writer, changes made to the database and user settings will not be saved.  You won't receive any warnings if a database is not found or if the database contains limited information.  It is important to note that any changes you make to puzzles (including the clues) during that session WILL be saved.  There are many benefits to this design... you can open a puzzle file that came from someone else without taking the chance it may affect your database - you can purposely protect your database and user settings for that particular session - you can bypass some of the warnings you might be getting - and more.  You can also use this feature to force Crossword Writer 1.00 to use multiple database files, and leave your original and personal database in the main program directory where it belongs.  Other versions have alternate methods to use specialized database files.  (You won't be able to create a backup or restore your database while it is partially disabled.)

*****18. Why is there a garbled clue in my database?

         A) If you open a corrupted puzzle file, no words from that file will be added to your database, but if a garbled but otherwise legal clue is found before a definite error occurs, and the word is already in your database, then that clue may be attached to the existing word.  This is extremely uncommon and Crossword Writer 1.00 does not check for a garbled clue (it may be intentional).

*****19. Why are there quite a few difficult words in the database?

         A) The free database provided with Crossword Writer 1.00 is a general-purpose starter list that tries to accommodate everyone.  Some people want a few more possibilities for tough spots when all else has failed.  Some words may appear to be meaningless, but all have a certain meaning somewhere.  Remember that an entry may also be a phrase that doesn't seem obvious at first glance - but come up with the right clue and the answer shines.  Crossword Writer 1.00 allows you to remove words either by pressing F12 which removes the current word from the database (not your puzzle), or by pressing F2 to edit a clue and then choosing to remove the word from the database.

*****20. I received a message that the database is full and I should delete unused words - is there an easier way in version 1.00 than you suggested above (Q&A #19)?

         A) What are you doing with over a million words in version 1.00?  (You can still add up to 26 clues for each of those words you already have.)  Since Crossword Writer 1.00 won't decide for you which words to archive, here's a little trick that might help - use F3 and F4 to display words from your database and press Ctrl+F12 when you see a word you don't want.  Ctrl+F12 will not ask for confirmation and allows you to quickly remove single entries from the database.  Ctrl+F12 is safe to use because it will only remove words that don't have clues.  One more trick - don't release the Ctrl key because F3 and F4 also work with the Ctrl key pressed.

*****21. Can I start my own database from scratch?

         A) Move, rename or delete the database file (xww.xww) and Crossword Writer will automatically create a new empty database.  Since your database will contain very little information, you might receive warnings that AutoWord and AutoSolve may be limited.

*****22. I botched some clues, but my database automatically updated and saved them.  I also used your little trick (Q&A #20) and I didn't really mean to save all those changes either.

         A) It's always better if you leave automatic updating enabled, so here's one trick to bypass automatic updating just for the current session.  Restore your database from the backup file (create a backup if you haven't already).  Now when you exit Crossword Writer you will be asked if you want to save the restored database and any information that may have changed after it was restored.  Select NO and you just bypassed the automatic update or you can choose to answer YES to save your changes from the session.  One thing to note about backing up your database - the backup is created using the current (to the second) status of all information, not the status of the database at the beginning of the session.

*****23. How much data can Crossword Writer manage in my database?

         A) Crossword Writer 1.00 can recognize approximately 1.1 million words/phrases and 28.6 million clues.  Words and phrases may be 2 characters long, 50 characters long, or any length in between.  Each clue can be up to 125 characters long.  There is additional space reserved for approximately 16,000 grid templates.  The database format is designed to handle an unlimited number of grids, words and clues, so other versions may have larger data limits for certain situations.

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Crossword Writer is designed to be the most compact, fast, non-invasive, useful, purpose-driven, cost effective, easy to use crossword editing software available.  Whether you prefer to use a powerful computer program or prefer to use a pencil and sheet of paper to create puzzles, Crossword Writer is the perfect choice.  Puzzles you create with Crossword Writer 1.00 and all the data you collect will remain compatible with all versions.