Chevron Symbols Cause Works to Default to Print Merge (113861)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0

This article was previously published under Q113861

SUMMARY

If you enter a matching pair of "chevron" symbols (that is, <<>>) in a Word Processor document, Works defaults to the Print Merge option when printing that document. This problem also occurs even if there is text between the chevron symbols. Note that Works will NOT default to Print Merge if the placement of the chevron symbols is reversed, or if more than about 155 chevrons symbols (including letters/spaces) are used consecutively (this varies depending on the font used).

Chevron symbols in Works indicate field information being merged from a database into a form letter or envelope (for example, <<Field1>>). Thus, when Works encounters these special characters on the page, it defaults to Print Merge when printing the document.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce the Situation

  1. In a Word Processor document, type ALT+Keypad 0171 for the left chevron.

    NOTE: The 0187 number must be typed using the numeric keypad on the keyboard while holding down the ALT key.
  2. Type some text.
  3. Type ALT+Keypad 0187 for the right chevron, or copy these symbols from the Character Map in Windows.
  4. From the File menu, choose Print.
Notice the Print Merge box is selected.

NOTE: Typing two greater than (>) or two less than (<) characters will not produce this behavior.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/14/2000
Keywords:KB113861