WD: MacWord 5.x Non-Hidden Index Entry Text Lost in Word 6.0

• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When a Word 5.x for the Macintosh document contains an index entry in which a portion of the actual index entry text is formatted as hidden, the remaining non-hidden portion of the index entry may not appear as normal body text when you open the document in Word 6.0 and later.

For example, a Word 5.x index entry such as

   .i.This is a test;
   ---        -------     (where these underscores represent hidden text)

   { XE "This is a test"}
   ----------------------

   This is a test{ XE "This is a test"}
           ----------------------------

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the appropriate method for your situation.

Method 1: Use If You Have Access to Word 5.x for the Macintosh

1. Reopen the file in Word 5.x for the Macintosh.

2. Save the document in Word for Windows 2.0 format. If the Word for Windows 2.0 converter has not been installed, rerun Word 5.x setup to install the converter.

3. Open the Word 2.0 for Windows version of the document into Word. The non-hidden portion of each index entry is retained as normal body text.

Method 2: Use If You Do Not Have Access to Word 5.x for the Macintosh

1. In Word, choose to view hidden text so that XE fields are visible.

2. Select and copy text from within an XE field that should appear as normal text to the Clipboard, and paste into your document immediately before or after the XE field as normal text.