WD97: Cannot Link More Than 32 Text Boxes

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

The maximum number of text boxes you can link together is 32 (31 links). If you attempt to link to a 33rd text box, you will receive no error, text does not flow into the text box, and no link is formed.

CAUSE

This is by design for Word 97.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Change the Text Box Size

Increase the size of your existing text boxes to hold more text without the need for additional linked text boxes.

1. Click the text box whose size you want to change.

2. Drag a sizing handle until the text box is the size you want.

Method 2: Change the Text Point Size

Decrease the point size of the text in the linked text boxes.

MORE INFORMATION

You can link two or more text boxes so that text will flow between them as you type. You can also create text box links among shapes, such as circles, banners, and flow chart shapes. A text box or shape can have only one forward, or next, link and one backward, or previous, link. The maximum number of links you can have in one sequence is 31, linking together 32 text boxes or shapes.

For more information on Linking Text Boxes:

Click the Office Assistant, type "How do I link text boxes?", and then click Search. Click the topic "Flow text to another part of my document with linked text boxes".