WD97: Unable to Insert Objects into Table Cell

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word 97, when you attempt to insert or paste an object into a table cell, the object either floats over the table, or is placed above or below the table.

CAUSE

This behavior is by design of Word 97. When you insert any of the following types of objects into a Word document

• AutoShapes
• WordArt
• Pictures
• Clip Art
• Objects (items inserted by clicking Object on the Insert menu)

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the method appropriate to your situation.

Inserting AutoShapes, WordArt, and Clip Art:

When you insert AutoShapes, WordArt, and Clip Art, you cannot turn off the Float Over Text option. However, you can paste an inline picture of the object into the table cell. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Insert an AutoShape, WordArt, or Clip Art object in your document.

2. Select the object you just inserted, and then click Cut on the Edit menu.

3. Move the insertion point into the table cell where you want the object.

4. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special.

5. In the Paste Special dialog box, under As, click Picture. Click to clear the Float Over Text check box, and then click OK.

When you insert a picture or some other type of object (by clicking Object on the Insert menu), click to clear the Float Over Text check box.

Pasting Objects:

When you paste an object from the Clipboard, follow these steps:

1. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special.

2. Click to clear the Float Over Text check box, and then click OK.

STATUS

In Microsoft Word 97, pictures or objects are inserted as floating objects by default. That is, the Float Over Text check box is always selected.

This behavior does not occur in Microsoft Word 97 Service Release 1 (SR-1). In Service Release 1, this feature behaves the way it did in Word versions 7.0 and earlier. That is, a picture or object is inserted as an inline (non- floating) object; the Float Over Text check box is cleared by default.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about SR-1, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE ID: Q170564
   TITLE     : WD97: Pictures and Objects Inserted as Inline by Default in
               SR-1

   ARTICLE ID: Q172475
   TITLE     : OFF97: How to Obtain and Install the MS Office 97 SR-1 Patch

   ARTICLE ID: Q167738
   TITLE     : WD97: Can't See or Manipulate Objects (and Other Odd
               Behavior)