WD97: Hard to Control Mouse When You Select Text at Bottom of Screen (269230)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q269230

SYMPTOMS

If you use the mouse to select text, you may not be able to control the selection when the mouse pointer reaches the bottom of the screen. As a result, unwanted text may be selected.

CAUSE

This functionality is by design in Microsoft Word and depends upon your processor speed and video refresh rate. Currently, there is no customization available to control the speed of text selection when you use the mouse.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use one or more of the following methods appropriate for your situation.

Method 1: Use the Mouse and the SHIFT Key

Click at the beginning of the text that you want to select, use the vertical scroll bar to scroll to the end of the text that you want, and then hold down SHIFT and click.

For more information about how to select a large block of text, click Contents and Index on the Help menu, click the Index tab in Microsoft Word Help, type the following text

selecting text and graphics

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Select text and graphics by using the mouse" topic. If you are unable to find the information you need, ask the Office Assistant.

Method 2: Use the Mouse and the F8 Key

Click at the beginning of the text that you want to select, press F8 to activate the Extend Selection mode (EXT appears on the status bar), use the vertical scroll bar to scroll to the end of the text that you want, and then click at the end of the text that you want to select.

You also can adjust the selection. If too much text is selected, click at the end of the text that you want to include within the selection. Word automatically adjusts the selection. If too little text is selected, click at the end of the additional text. Word automatically adjusts the selection.

To turn off the Extend Selection mode, but to keep the text selected, press ESC.

For more information about how to select by using shortcut keys, click Contents and Index on the Help menu, click the Index tab in Microsoft Word Help, type the following text

selecting text and graphics

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Select text and graphics by using shortcut keys" topic. If you are unable to find the information you need, ask the Office Assistant.

Method 3: Use the Keyboard

Position the insertion point at the beginning of the text that you want to select. Hold down the SHIFT key, and use the directional arrow keys to select the text that you want.

Method 4: Use a Microsoft IntelliMouse Wheel Mouse

Note This is not a complete solution to the problem and may require the use of two hands when you select text.

Move the mouse pointer into the left margin, next to the text that you want to select. The mouse pointer should be an arrow pointing northeast. Hold the left mouse button, and rotate the mouse wheel until the text that you want is selected.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/20/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB269230