WD2000: Typed Characters Change to Symbol or Word List

ID: Q230851

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 2000

SYMPTOMS

When you type certain character combinations, the text changes to either a symbol or a Word list character, as in the following cases:

Case 1

When you type (c) or (r) as part of a numbered list, the characters change to the copyright symbol or registered symbol.

Case 2

When you type (i), the characters change to a numbered list when you press ENTER, and Word inserts a second entry automatically. For example, Word inserts (ii) as a second numbered item.

Case 3

When you type an asterisk (*), type text and then press ENTER, the asterisk changes to a bullet, and a second bullet is inserted for additional text.

CAUSE

This functionality is by default in Microsoft Word 2000. When you type particular characters, Word detects them and replaces them with their common symbol or numbered item, using either the AutoCorrect feature or the "AutoFormat as you type" feature.

RESOLUTION

To prevent Word from changing the characters you type into their common symbol or a list item, use one of the following methods appropriate for your situation:

Method 1: Press the BACKSPACE Key

Immediately after Word changes your typed characters to a symbol or numbered item, do one of the following:

To undo a symbol--for example, the copyright symbol--press the BACKSPACE key once.

To undo a numbered item--for example, (i)--press the BACKSPACE key three times.

NOTE: Do not press the SPACEBAR or type additional text after Word changes your typed text into a symbol or numbered item. If you do, pressing BACKSPACE will not undo the symbol or numbered item.

Method 2: Turn Off the AutoCorrect Feature

To turn off the AutoCorrect feature to prevent Word from changing your typed characters to symbols, follow these steps:

On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect.

On the AutoCorrect tab, click to clear the Replace text as you type check box.

Click OK.

Method 3: Turn Off Automatic Lists

To turn off the automatic lists to prevent Word from changing your typed characters into a numbered or bulleted list, follow these steps:

On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect.

On the AutoFormat As You Type tab, click to clear the Automatic bulleted lists and Automatic numbered lists check boxes.

Click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about AutoCorrect, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type AutoCorrect overview in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.

For more information about AutoFormat as you type, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type AutoFormat as you type in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.

For more information about other new features in Microsoft Word 2000, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type What's New? in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbdta wd2000
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb