Microsoft Word 2010 & Word 2007:
Avoid Annoying Automation

Why Text Automatically Changes in Word

Does it seem like Word randomly changes the capitalization or spelling of text in a document? AutoCorrect is to blame. As the name indicates, AutoCorrect automatically corrects the spelling of common misspelled words but also makes other changes including capitalizing the first letter in a sentence, table cell, or line of text. To review your choices:

1. In Word 2010, pick File (Backstage View) > Options.
   In Word 2007, choose the Microsoft Office Button and then Word Options.
2. Pick AutoCorrect Options from the Proofing category.
3. Choose the AutoCorrect tab and uncheck any option that gets in the way of typing your text.

Automatic Outlines & Numbered Lists
You Don't Want

Have you ever tried to create your own numbered list or outline with letters and then watched the numbering or formatting change once you press [Enter] for the next line? This is a huge annoyance for anyone that wants to build their own custom layout for an outline rather than working with the choices in Word.

Do you type your e-mail address or website into a document and then watch as it suddenly changes to blue underlined text (a hyperlink)? Do you ever enter fractions or quotes that automatically re-format?

You are a victim of AutoFormat As You Type, a common Word ailment. To customize Word so that it works for you and not against you:

1. In Word 2010, pick File (Backstage View) > Options.
   In Word 2007, choose the Microsoft Office Button and then Word Options.
2. Pick AutoCorrect Options from the Proofing category.
3. Choose the AutoFormat As You Type tab and uncheck any option that gets in the way of typing your text.

I recommend you uncheck all of the options in the last 2 sections including Automatic numbered lists. You can still turn on automatically numbered list any time you want them. Turn off choices in the 1st section as desired. Pick OK to finish.

Automatic numbered and bulleted lists and outlines can still be created from the Home tab (Paragraph group) in the Ribbon.

© Dawn Bjork Buzbee, MCT, The Software Pro^®

Dawn Bjork Buzbee is The Software Pro^® and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) as well as a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master Instructor, certified Microsoft Applications Specialist (MCAS) Instructor, and a certified Microsoft Office expert. Dawn shares smart and easy ways to effectively use software through her work as a software speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of 6 books.

This article and more can be reprinted at no charge in your publications and website with copyright and attribution.
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