WD: Show Hidden Text Command Not Available

• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

The Show Hidden Text command is not available as a keyboard shortcut or as a Microsoft Word command. This functionality has changed from earlier versions of Word.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Word versions 6.0 and 6.01 for the Macintosh. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Manualy Toggle Hidden Text Viewing

1. On the Tools Menu, click Options (click Preferences in Word 98 Macintosh Edition).

2. Click the View tab.

3. Under Nonprinting Characters, click to select or clear the Hidden Text check box.

4. Click OK.

Method 2: Create a Macro to Toggle Hidden Text

The following sample macro toggles hidden text on and off. Use the appropriate macro for your version of Word.

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Visual Basic (Word 97 for Windows and Word 98 Macintosh Edition):

   Sub ToggleShowHiddenText()
      ActiveWindow.View.ShowHiddenText = Not _
      ActiveWindow.View.ShowHiddenText
   End Sub
   

The following WordBasic sample macro toggles hidden text on and off:

   Sub Main
      Dim dlg As ToolsOptionView
      GetCurValues dlg
      If dlg.Hidden = 1 ' If turned on,
         dlg.Hidden = 0 ' turn it off,
      Else
         dlg.Hidden = 1 ' else turn it on.
      End If
      ToolsOptionsView dlg ' Force update.
   End Sub

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about getting help with Visual Basic for Applications, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q163435
   TITLE     : VBA: Programming Resources for Visual Basic for Applications