WD: REF Field Creates Duplicate Drop-Down List in Protected Form

• Microsoft Word 95 for Windows, version 7.0
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1

SYMPTOMS

If you use a REF field to reference a drop-down list (FORMDROPDOWN field) in a document that is protected for forms, the REF field result is a duplicate of the drop-down list.

Furthermore, if you click the REF field or press the LEFT ARROW key, Word activates the field. You can select a name from the drop-down list, and Word changes the results of the REF field. This happens if the REF field is located in a protected section of the document; it does not happen if the REF field is located in an unprotected section of the document.

NOTE: You cannot activate the drop-down list in a protected REF field by pressing TAB or by pressing any other arrow key.

WORKAROUND

Insert a continuous section break before and after the REF field. Do not protect this section of your document for forms.

NOTE: You will need to update the REF field. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the REF field.

2. Press F9 to update the field.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 313-315, 318, 326