WD97: Parentheses Missing, Decimal Appears in a Number Form Field (198365)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q198365

SYMPTOMS

When you try to enter a number into a number form field formatted with parentheses, the parentheses are lost, and the number is changed to a decimal value.

For example, when you insert a number form field into a Word document and change the Number Format to include parentheses, as in a telephone number

(###) ###-####

the number you type into the protected form field does not include the parentheses and is changed to a decimal value as in the following example:

8005551212.00

WORKAROUND

Use a different character in the Number Format. Do not use parentheses in the Number Format of the Number Form Field.

For example, in the Number Format of the Number Form Field, use a dash to separate the area code, as in this example

###-###-####

which results in the following when you type your number in the protected forms document:

800-555-0188

To change the number format, follow these steps:
  1. On the Forms toolbar, click the Protect Form button to unprotect your form document.

    NOTE: If the Forms toolbar is not showing, on the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Forms.
  2. Double-click your number form field to access the Text Form Field Options dialog box.
  3. In the Number Format box, delete the parentheses and type a different character to separate the area code from the rest of the telephone number, and then click OK.
  4. On the Forms Toolbar, click the Protect Document button to re-protect your form document.

STATUS

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

This problem has been corrected in Word 2000.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to insert a form field, click the Office Assistant, type How do I insert a form field?, click Search, click the "Insert form fields or ActiveX controls in a form" topic, and then click to view "Insert form fields in a form."

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

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

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug kbfield KB198365
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.