Can't Copy Selection to Left of Itself with Drag-and-Drop

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you use your mouse to copy a selection to the left of itself (that is, using drag-and-drop editing) and the selection is not preceded by a space or other text, the text is not copied.

(To use your mouse to copy a selection, select the text to be copied, hold down the CTRL key, point to the selected text, hold down the left mouse button, drag the selected text to the new location, and release the mouse button.)

This behavior does not occur when copying a selection:

• Across applications.
• That is second in a series on a line.
• From one line to another line.
• To the right of a single item selection.
• If one or more spaces exist before the single item selection.

CAUSE

Word is copying over the selected text instead of copying to the side of it.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 6.0 and 6.0a for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Use the Copy and Paste buttons on the toolbar.

Method 2: From the Edit menu, choose Copy, then position your insertion

          point and choose Paste from the Edit menu.

          selected text.