The list numbering format changes when you open a Word 2000 document in Word 97 or in Word 6 (203907)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
This article was previously published under Q203907

SYMPTOMS

When you create and save a document in Word 2000 that contains a numbered list, and you then open that document in a different version of Word, the formatting of the numbered list may change unexpectedly.

If you open a document with a numbered list in Word 97, the numbered list is formatted as Outline Numbered.

If you open a document with a numbered list in Word 6, the numbers in the numbered list are text.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because Word 2000 numbering supports multilevel numbering and versions of Word previous to Word 2000 do not.

There is no converter for changing Word 2000 documents to Word 97, because the document format is identical; however, the only numbering format in Word 97 that supports multilevel numbering is Outline Numbered.

Word 6 displays a multilevel numbering format as text.

WORKAROUND

If you do not edit a Word 2000 list in Word 97 or Word 6, the numbered list will appear as expected and no workaround is required.

If you plan to edit the Word 2000 list in Word 97, follow these steps:
  1. Select the list.
  2. On the Format menu, click Bullets and Numbering.
  3. On the Outline Numbered tab, click None, and then click OK.
  4. Select the text you want to number.
  5. On the Format menu, click Bullets and Numbering.
  6. Select the numbering format you want, and then click OK.
If you plan to edit the Word 2000 list in Word 6, follow these steps:
  1. Delete the numbering (it is ordinary text).
  2. Select the text you want to number.
  3. On the Format menu, click Bullets and Numbering.
  4. Select the numbering format that you want, and then click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Word 2000 supports multilevel numbering. You can make a numbered list and then add items to the list. When you indent an item on the list, it will create a subordinate list under the item immediately above it, and restart the numbering.

For example:
  1. Start a new Word document and type the following list: 
       Red Items
   White Items
   Blue Items
  2. Select the list.
  3. On the Format menu, click Bullets and Numbering.
  4. On the Numbered tab, click the first numbering scheme, and then click OK.
  5. The list should now appear similar to the following: 
       1. Red Items
   2. White Items
   3. Blue Items
  6. Add two entries under "Red Items" so that the list appears similar to the following. 
       1. Red Items
   2. Hats
   3. Cars
   4. White Items
   5. Blue Items
  7. Place the insertion point to the left of Hats, and then press TAB. Repeat this for Cars.
  8. Word 2000 automatically creates the multilevel numbering and the list now appears similar to the following: 
       1. Red Items
        a. Hats
        b. Cars
   2. White Items
   3. Blue Items
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/2/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB203907
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