WD97: AutoCorrect Entry "wern't" Not Corrected (168968)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q168968

SYMPTOMS

When you type the word wern't and then press the SPACEBAR, the word is not automatically changed to "weren't."

CAUSE

Wern't is one of the predefined AutoCorrect entries provided with Microsoft Word. This problem does not occur with other entries in the AutoCorrect list that contain an apostrophe.

WORKAROUND

NOTE: Method 1 may not work for all instances of the AutoCorrect entry. If a curly apostrophe is not needed, then use Method 2.

Method 1: Turn on Smart Quotes

  1. On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect.
  2. Click the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab.
  3. Under "Replace as you type," click to select the "'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes'" check box, and then click OK.

Method 2: Replace the AutoCorrect Entry

  1. On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect.
  2. On the AutoCorrect tab, scroll down the AutoCorrect list to find "wern't." Click to select the AutoCorrect entry, and then click Delete.
  3. In the Replace box, press the Delete key on the keyboard to remove the entry, and then type wern't.
  4. Press the TAB key to move to the With box, and then type weren't.
  5. Click Add to add the entry back to the AutoCorrect list, and then click OK.
NOTE: When you add the AutoCorrect entry back to the AutoCorrect list, the apostrophe will not be a curly (Smart Quote) apostrophe.

For more information about adding entries to the AutoCorrect list, click the Office Assistant, type How do I add to the AutoCorrect list?, click Search, click to view "Automatically correct text," and then click to view "Add an AutoCorrect entry to correct a typing error."

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

120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

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

159941 WD97: General Information about "Auto" Features in Word 97

135778 Where AutoCorrect Entries and Settings Are Stored


Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug kbproof KB168968