WD97: INSERT (INS) Key Doesn't Switch Between Insert and Overtype Modes (198148)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q198148

SYMPTOMS

When you press the INSERT (INS) key on the keyboard, the typing mode does not switch from insert to overtype or vice versa.

CAUSE

By default, this key is not assigned to switch between overtype and insert mode.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem in Windows, install Microsoft Word 97 Service Release 1 (SR-1). To work around this problem, use the method appropriate for your situation.

Method 1: Assigning the Overtype Command to a Shortcut Key

To activate the INSERT key, do the following:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Customize, and then click the Commands tab.
  2. Click the Keyboard button.
  3. In the Categories box, select All Commands.
  4. In the Commands list, select Overtype.
  5. Position the insertion point in the "Press New Shortcut Key" box, and then press the INSERT key on the keyboard.

    NOTE: If the keys you press are already assigned to a different command, Word will indicate the assignment with a message below the "Press New Shortcut Key" box, similar to the following message:

    Currently assigned to: <command>

  6. Click the Assign button.
  7. Click the Close button.
NOTE: OVR appears unavailable (dimmed) when overtype mode is off.

Method 2: Select the Overtype Option

  1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Edit tab.
  2. Under Editing Options, clear or select the Overtype Mode check box.

Method 3: Use the Status Bar

With the status bar displayed, double-click OVR. This method sets the typing mode for the current session only.

Method 4: Use a Macro to Switch Between Overtype and Insert Modes

Create the following Visual Basic for Applications macro: 
   Sub ToggleOverType()
      Options.Overtype = Not Options.Overtype
   End Sub
Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied. This includes, but is not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language that is being demonstrated and with the tools that are used to create and to debug procedures. Microsoft support engineers can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific requirements. For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

163547 Word 97: How to Create Custom Toolbars and Toolbar Buttons

165517 Overview of Visual Basic Editor Debugging Tools

STATUS

This behavior does not occur in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows, Service Release 1 (SR-1). In Service Release 1, this feature behaves the way it did in Word for Windows versions 7.0 and earlier.

MORE INFORMATION

To disable the use of the INSERT key to change the Overtype mode in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows SR-1, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Customize, and click the Commands tab.
  2. Click the Keyboard button.
  3. In the Categories box, select All Commands.
  4. In the Commands list, select Overtype.
  5. In the Current Keys list, click on Ins.
  6. Click the Remove button.
  7. Click the Close button.
The INSERT key will no longer switch between Insert and Overtype modes.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/17/2005
Keywords:kbprb kbualink97 KB198148
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