Word numbering workaround

[Chuck Martin <cm -at- writeforyou -dot- com>]

I've not seen this published before, and Microsoft's knowledgebase has 
an incomplete (and not completely correct) article on the subject (at 
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;224736), but I 
managed a workaround, kept all my hair intact (of course I ran into this 
 when I was doing a last-pass edit with managers wanting the document 
NOW), and wanted to offer the solution that I found.

Now I know many of you, when you hear "Word," run away fast. Can';t say 
as I blame you. I think Word issues are likely a major cause of the 
obesity epidemic, as millions of Word users, chained to their desks as 
they jump through all the hoops necessary to get out even the simplest 
Word documents, take out their frustrations by noshing on every edible 
thing in sight.

But I digress.

This involves using Word's styles, styles that use numbering. In Word 
2000. Scared yet?

Yeah, I know, use SEQ fields. But doggone it, I shouldn't have to.

Anyway, the story is this. Scanning through the document, I come to a 
sub-list that starts not with "a," but with "e." No problem, I think. 
Format > Bullets and Numbering, then select the Restart Numbering radio 
button.

Except that the Restart Numbering radio button is grayed out. The first 
tinges of panic begin to creep into my consciousness. I *know* I've run 
into this issue before. I'm pretty sure I've even posted a plaintive 
plea for help right here, on this very list. So after a few failed 
attempts at playing with Word's styles, I go to raycomm.com, click on 
the little Search link in the upper right, and do a search for Word 
"Restart Numbering" grayed out. Not much help in those results.

So I go to Microsoft's site. A search for Word 2000 "Restart Numbering" 
results in the above article, which says the way to get the numbering 
restarted is to do the exact procedure above, but work backwards, up the 
list.

Yup, that's Microsoft. Work backwards and you'll be OK.

Well, hey, it's actually working. Last (4th) item on the list. Cool. The 
3rd item. Yup. 2nd item. Hey, this is gonna work! 1st item. Oops. The 
Restart Numbering radio button is still grayed out.

Suddenly. a little light goes on in my brain. Well, maybe just a warm 
glow. But, here's the trick I found.....

1. Create a new list item before the "first" one of the same type.
2. Go to your "real" first list item and set the Restart Numbering radio 
button.
3. Hold your breath.
4. Delete that new list item above your "real" first one.

Note: I'm not sure #3 is really required, but that's exactly what I did, 
and I haven't tested any other way, so I'm documenting what worked.

This deserved a spot in your little Word tricks file.


--
--
Chuck Martin
User Assistance & Experience Engineer
twriter "at" sonic "dot" net      www.writeforyou.com

"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.
The day may come when the courage of Men fail,  when we forsake our
friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day!
This day, we fight!"
                    - Aragorn

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."
                    - Gandalf

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