WD2002: Pressing SHIFT+RIGHT (or LEFT) ARROW Selects Entire Hyperlink (282597)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2002
This article was previously published under Q282597

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word 2002, when you attempt to select one character at a time in a hyperlink by using the SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW or SHIFT+LEFT ARROW key combination, the entire hyperlink is selected, rather than a single character.

NOTE: This behavior applies to all Word fields, not just hyperlink fields.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs in Word 2000 and earlier documents that are opened in Word 2002. When you open a document that was created in an earlier version of Word, Word 2002 turns on certain compatibility options. In the case of hyperlinks and other Word fields, the Select entire field with first or last character compatibility option is selected by default.

RESOLUTION

To select one character at a time in a hyperlink, turn off the Select entire field with first or last character compatibility option. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  2. Click the Compatibility tab.
  3. Click to clear the Select entire field with first or last character check box.
  4. Click OK.
You can now select one character at a time by using the SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW or SHIFT+LEFT ARROW key combination.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/27/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB282597
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