WD97: Not All Word Editing Functions Available in Form Fields

ID: Q170272

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you type in a text form field, Microsoft Word may not behave the way you expect it to.

Case 1: AutoCorrect Features

Microsoft Word will ignore the following AutoCorrect rules for the typed text:

Capitalize the first letter of a sentence.

-and-

Correct TWo INitial CApitals in a sentence.

NOTE: "Capitalize names of days" and "Correct accidental usage of CAPS LOCK key" options function correctly in a text form field.

Case 2: "Replace Text As You Type" Ignored

Some "Replace text as you type" text will not be replaced.

For example, when you type :) in a text form field, Word will not replace the :) with a smiley face. This problem occurs with the following default AutoCorrect entries.


   Text typed     Function
   -----------------------
   ...            Ellipse
   :(             Unhappy face
   :-(            Unhappy face
   :)             Smiley face
   :-)            Smiley face
   :|             Uncertain face
   :-|            Uncertain face
   <--            Left arrow
   <==            Bold left arrow
   <=>            Double arrow
   ==>            Bold right arrow
   -->            Right arrow

Case 3: Editing Features

Some editing features (shortcut keys) do not work. For example, you cannot use the following shortcut keys.


   Shortcut keys         Function
   -------------------------------------------------------------------
   CTRL+BACKSPACE        Delete one word to the left
   SHIFT+F3              Change the case of characters
   SHIFT+HOME            To extend selection to the beginning of a line
   SHIFT+END             To extend selection to the end of a line

NOTE: It is also not possible to do Font formatting from the Formatting Toolbar in protected text form fields. Font enhancements such as "Bold", "Italics," and "Underline" are not available using the buttons on the Formatting Toolbar.

Case 4: Proofing Tools

Word will not check the typed text for spelling or grammar.

NOTE: Spelling and grammar mistakes are ignored regardless of the method you use to check for them.

WORKAROUND

Case 1: AutoCorrect Features

Create a case-sensitive AutoCorrect entry for each word that would start a sentence or type your text with correct capitalization into your text form field.

For more information about how to create an AutoCorrect entry, click the Office Assistant, type "How do I create a new AutoCorrect entry?" click Search, click to view "Use shortcuts to insert frequently used text and graphics", and then click to view "Create an AutoCorrect entry to store and automatically insert text and graphics."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Word Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

Case 2: "Replace Text As You Type" Ignored

There is no known workaround for this problem. You cannot type, paste, or insert the symbols that are listed in the "Symptoms" section of this article into a text form field.

Case 3: Editing Features

Select text in a text form field using the mouse or the SHIFT+ARROW keys. To delete selected text in a text form field, click Cut on the Edit menu or press the DELETE key on your keyboard. Note: If your form fields are in a table, selecting text with the mouse or SHIFT+ARROW keys does not work. You must click and delete or backspace to edit the text.

Case 4: Proofing Tools

To check spelling for text that is contained in a text form field, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q119698 WD: Form Fields Lose Text When Protected for Forms

STATUS

Case 1: AutoCorrect Features

This behavior is by design.

Case 2: "Replace Text As You Type" Ignored

This behavior is by design.

Case 3: Editing Features

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products 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.

Case 4: Proofing Tools

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Word includes an AutoCorrect feature that automatically corrects many common typing, spelling, and grammatical errors. You can easily customize the preset AutoCorrect options or add errors that you commonly make to the list of AutoCorrect entries.

Microsoft Word provides the following AutoCorrect features:

Correct TWo INitial CApitals
Capitalize first letter of sentences
Capital names of days
Correct accidental usage of CAPS LOCK key
Replace text as you type

For more information about AutoCorrect, click the Office Assistant, type "What is AutoCorrect?" click Search, and then click to view "Automatically correct text."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Word Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q161582 WD97: AutoCorrect Text Deleted, Partially Visible in Form Field

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbdta
Version : WINDOWS:97
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug