WinWord: Test for Blank Argument Within an Expression Field

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.1a, 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SUMMARY

Using the ASK field combined with the AND function in Microsoft Word for Windows can cause the following error message:

   Undefined Bookmark, BOOKMARKNAME

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word for Windows versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0c. This problem was corrected in Word version 7.0 for Windows 95.

MORE INFORMATION

If you leave the dialog box blank, the bookmark associated with the ASK field does not return a value of zero (0); instead, the above error message appears. The AND function is used to join two logical expressions into a single complex expression. You must define both bookmarks.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. From the File menu, choose New, and choose the OK button. Press CTRL+F9 to insert the field code braces, and enter the following information:

         {Ask bookmarkname "Enter the number of boxes"}
   

   Press the END key, then press RETURN.

2. Press CTRL+F9 to insert a second set of braces, and insert the information below:

         {=and (bookmarkname > 2,bookmarkname < 12)}
   

3. Select both fields, and update them by pressing the F9 key.

4. Do not type anything in the dialog box that appears. Choose the OK button.

   Undefined Bookmark, BOOKMARKNAME

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.

Reference(s):

"Microsoft Word for Windows and OS/2 Technical Reference," page 338

"Word for Windows Companion," The Cobb Group, page 679