WD: Pressing ENTER Doesn't Close InputBox$(), ASK, FILLIN Dialog

• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word for Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a

SYMPTOMS

When you type a response to an InputBox$(), ASK, or FILLIN field prompt, pressing either the ENTER key (in Word for Windows) or the RETURN key (in Word for the Macintosh) adds a new line to your response instead of closing the window. In other words, the ENTER (Windows) and RETURN (Macintosh) keys do not correspond to choosing the OK button.

This behavior can be especially confusing in Word for the Macintosh, in which the OK button is selected as the default key.

CAUSE

By design, the functionality of the ENTER key (in Word for Windows) or the RETURN key (in Word for Macintosh) is different for the InputBox$(), ASK, and FILLIN field dialog boxes than in earlier versions of Word. This makes it easier to type multiple-line responses.

WORKAROUND

Method 1:

In Word for Windows, press the TAB key to go from the text box to the OK button, then press ENTER. In Word for the Macintosh, press the ENTER key on the numeric key pad, not the RETURN key.

Method 2:

Use the mouse to click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

When you press ENTER (in Word for Windows) in an InputBox$() dialog box, Word inserts a newline character followed by a paragraph mark. When you press RETURN (in Word for the Macintosh) in an InputBox$() dialog box, Word inserts only a paragraph mark.

NOTE: When you press ENTER in an ASK or FILLIN field dialog box, Word for Windows inserts only a newline character (not a newline character followed by a paragraph mark).