OFF97: ToolTips Briefly Stop Working

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Access 97 for Windows
• Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

In the programs listed at the beginning of this article, ToolTips for your toolbar buttons may stop working unexpectedly.

CAUSE

This occurs if the focus is on a toolbar or menu. When the focus is on a toolbar or menu, ToolTips cannot be displayed.

RESOLUTION

If this occurs, press the Escape key (Esc), select any cell in a worksheet, or click in an open document. This removes the focus from the toolbar or menu and ToolTips work correctly.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of the programs listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

ToolTips are small boxes that display over toolbar buttons when you position the mouse over them for a few seconds. ToolTips indicate the general function of the toolbar buttons to which they are assigned.

In the programs included with Microsoft Office 97, if you click a toolbar button or a menu that has a drop-down component, and then press Escape, the drop-down component disappears. However, the focus remains on the toolbar or menu. As long as this is true, ToolTips for toolbar buttons cannot be displayed.

The following steps illustrate this behavior:

1. In Microsoft Excel 97, move your mouse onto the Save tool on the Standard toolbar, but do not click it. Within a couple of seconds, a ToolTip labeled "Save" appears.

2. Click the File menu. Then, without clicking any items on the menu, press Escape.

3. Move your mouse over buttons on any of your toolbars. Notice that ToolTips no longer appear.

4. Press Escape again.