WD: INSERT (INS) Key Doesn't Toggle Insert, Overtype Mode

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you press the INSERT (INS) key on the keyboard (CONTROL+INS on the Macintosh), the typing mode does not switch from insert to overtype or vice versa.

CAUSE

This is a design change in Word. By default, this key is not assigned to toggle between overtype and insert mode.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem in Windows, install Microsoft Word 97 Service Release 1 (SR-1).

To work around this problem, use the workaround appropriate for your situation.

Method 1: Assigning the Overtype Command to a Shortcut Key

To activate the INSERT key, do the following:

1. On the Tools menu, click Customize, and then click the Commands tab.

2. Click the Keyboard button.

3. In the Categories box, select All Commands.

4. In the Commands list, select Overtype.

5. Position the insertion point in the "Press New Shortcut Key" box, and then do one of the following:

         Windows: Press the INSERT key on the keyboard.
   

         Macintosh: Press the Control+I keys on the keyboard (or other
                    shortcut keys, as desired). You cannot assign Control+Ins
                    (or any variation) to the Overtype command.
      
         NOTE: If the keys you press are already assigned to a different
         command, Word will indicate the assignment with a message below the
         "Press new shortcut key" box, similar to the following message:
      
            Currently assigned to: <command>
   
   

6. Click the Assign button.

7. Click the Close button.

Method 2: Select the Overtype Option

1. On the Tools menu, click Options (Preferences on the Macintosh), and then click the Edit tab.

2. Under Editing Options, clear or select the Overtype Mode check box.

Method 3: Use the Status Bar

With the status bar displayed, double-click OVR. This method sets the typing mode for the current session only.

Method 4: Use a Macro to Toggle Overtype

Create the following Visual Basic for Applications macro:

   Sub ToggleOverType()
      Options.Overtype = Not Options.Overtype
   End Sub

   http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/default.asp

   ARTICLE-ID: Q163547
   TITLE     : Word 97: How to Create Custom Toolbars and Toolbar Buttons

   ARTICLE-ID: Q165517
   TITLE     : Overview of Visual Basic Editor Debugging Tools

STATUS

This behavior does not occur in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows, Service Release 1 (SR-1). In Service Release 1, this feature behaves the way it did in Word for Windows versions 7.0 and earlier.

MORE INFORMATION

To disable the use of the INSERT key to toggle overtype mode in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows SR-1, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Customize, and click the Commands tab.

2. Click the Keyboard button.

3. In the Categories box, select All Commands.

4. In the Commands list, select Overtype.

5. In the Current Keys list, click on Ins.

6. Click the Remove button.

7. Click the Close button.