WD97: NumPages Field Not Updated When You Open File

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you open a file in Word 97, the NumPages (Total Number of Pages) field in the header or footer shows an incorrect number of pages in the document.

For example, your Page and NumPages fields may show the following:

   Page 3 of 1

CAUSE

Word doesn't update the NumPages field as expected.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use any of the methods to correct the NumPages (Total Number of Pages) field. You will need to repeat the method to correct the NumPages field whenever you add additional pages to your document.

Method 1: Switch Document View

On the View menu click Normal. Then on the View menu, click Page Layout. This will update and display the NumPages field correctly.

Method 2: Print the Document

Printing your document will force Word to update the fields in the header and footer. This will update and print the NumPages field correctly.

Method 3: Manually Update the NumPages Field

1. On the View menu, click Header And Footer.

2. Select your page numbering and press F9. Your selection can include both the Page and NumPages fields.

   NOTE: If you do not see the page numbering, but see the following message

         Page {PAGE} of {NUMPAGES}
   

   you have the field codes displayed. To switch the field codes off and see the results of the fields, press ALT+F9.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft product listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.