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RDS read aloud

mwarril 1 Reputation point
2022-03-08T18:52:51.913+00:00

Getting error in Office products when I attempt to use the read aloud feature :

read aloud isnt available because something is preventing it from starting.

Using Windows 2016 server. Office is 32 bit pro plus 16.0.14326.20784 semi annual. RDS host.

Is there a special language pack needed or other component ?

Other text to speech features and audio works fine. I can run a visual basic script (vbs ) that run the text to speech function and that works.

Issue is repeatable in RDP with admin rights and without.

Office Management
Office Management
Office: A suite of Microsoft productivity software that supports common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, and data management and analysis.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Emi Zhang-MSFT 23,906 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2022-03-09T08:47:33.6+00:00

    Hi @mwarril ,
    Based on the error message, I suggest you refer to this article about it:
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/suggested-fix-for-read-aloud-isnt-available/c68d7e09-3500-49d7-934d-8ec5f505d42a
    If this issue is still existed, try to open in safe mode:
    Press Win + R, type "excel /safe" in the blank box, press Enter. If it works fine in safe mode, please check the add-ins in your excel and disable them.
    Click File > Excel Options > Add-Ins on the left side of the dialog. Then click the drop-down arrow at the bottom of the dialog box and select "COM Add-Ins" from the list, then click the GO button. What comes up is a list of COM-Add Ins that are loaded and running.
    Just checking in to see if the information was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

    If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
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  2. mwarril 1 Reputation point
    2022-03-09T16:58:52.813+00:00

    Thanks. Safe mode didnt help. attempted to install another language but no option for speech. This is Win 2016 so options are different. am continuing to review and would appreciate more assistance.
    Read aloud works fine with earlier version of Office 365 , semi annual release 2008 (patched up to Dec 2021 patches) .
    Language packs and other settings are identical.