WD2000: Characters Change to Question Marks After Saving File as Text Only (209596)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 2000

This article was previously published under Q209596

SYMPTOMS

When you convert a file in which you have text formatted with certain fonts, such as Webdings, to Text Only or MS-DOS Text, the characters change to question marks.

CAUSE

Word substitutes the question mark for characters it cannot convert to an ASCII font or codepage. When you save a file in Text Only format, Word may not be able to retain some features or formatting.

RESOLUTION

To retain all features and formatting, save your files as Word documents.

MORE INFORMATION

When you save a document in Word as Text Only (*.txt), Word displays the following message:

<filename> may contain features that are not compatible with Text Only format. Do you want to save the document in this format?

* To save, click Yes.
* To preserve formatting, click No. Then save a copy in the latest Word format.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	12/6/2000
Keywords:	kbconversion kbprb KB209596