WD: Long Index Entries with Tabs and Columns Don't Wrap

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SYMPTOMS

If an index contains more than one column and includes tabs to separate the entries from the page numbers, entries with multiple page numbers may not wrap correctly.

The result is that page numbers may extend into the right column or margin boundary and may disappear or be truncated.

This problem may occur if an index is built using the \C switch for multiple columns and the \E switch to insert a tab in each entry.

CAUSE

The right-aligned tab that is created with this combination of switches for the index is exactly the width of the column and may not function correctly. The tab setting needs to be slightly less than the width of the column.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, reduce the tab setting by about .1 to .2 inch. The text should wrap to the next line and should no longer exceed the column boundary.

To reduce the tab setting, follow these steps to modify the Index style:

1. Click in the Index.

2. On the Format menu, click Style.

3. In the Style dialog box, click Modify.

4. In the Modify Style dialog box, click Format, and then click Tabs.

5. In the Tabs dialog box, follow these steps:

   a. Click Clear All. b. Under Alignment, click Right. c. In the Tab Stop Position box, type a value small enough to allow

         proper wrapping of the Index page numbers. For example, type 1 for a
         one inch tab stop.
   

   NOTE: You may have to experiment with different values beginning at step 1 each time.

6. Click Set and then Click OK.

7. In the Modify Style dialog box, click OK, and click Close to return to the Index.

8. Select the Index and press CTRL+Q to force the Index to use only the style format attributes.

9. With the Index selected, press F9 to update the Index.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem has been corrected in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

If multiple page numbers are created for an entry, such as when an entry appears on several pages, the numbers may extend into the column boundary and appear cut off when printed instead of wrapping to the line below.

If an entry is referenced on several pages, some of the page numbers may extend into the right column boundary or margin of the page instead of wrapping to the next line. Numbers on the right side may be clipped or not appear in page layout view, print preview, or when printed.

If an entry is referenced on one or only a few pages, the entry may not appear to extend into the column boundary.