Hyphens Don't Display Correctly with Numeric Picture Switch

 Last reviewed: February 3, 1998
Article ID: Q121938
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, version 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a

SYMPTOMS

A merge field that contains the numeric format switch does not return correct results when the pictorial representation contains hyphens. For example 

   {mergeformat number \# ###-##-####}
produces the following result: 

   123 45 6789.
NOTE: You obtain correct results when you use other characters (such as, the at symbol [@],the forward slash [/], the plus sign [+], or the asterisk [*]).

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Enclose the hyphens in apostrophes so that your field appears as follows: 

   {MERGEFIELD number \# ###'-'##'-'####}

Method 2: Word for Windows and Word for Windows NT

Use the ANSI code when inserting the hyphen. To do this, press ALT+0173 on the numeric keypad with NUMLOCK on.

Method 3

Use a nonbreaking hyphen by typing CTRL+SHIFT+- in Word for Windows or OPTION+- in Word for the Macintosh.

Additional query words: macword winword dash minus sign numeric word6
switch mergefield field incorrect none missing
Keywords : kbfield
Version : WINDOWS:2.0,2.0a,2.0a- CD,2.0b,2.0c,6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a,97;MACINTOSH:6.0,6.0.1,6.0.1a,98
Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug kbhowto

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: February 3, 1998
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.