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Below is the feedback we received during February. If you have something you'd
like to tell us, a request, need help with an article, or just tell us how wonderful
we are <evil smirk>, we're as easy to reach as clicking on the Feedback
link along the top menu. And since this is a web submission page, you can opt
out of including your email address, if so desired.
Feel free to tell us whatever is on your mind. We'd love to hear from you!
Big thanks to these readers for taking the time to pass us their comments!
Any last minute feedback will be included next month.
Feedback
Karen Twynam from Toronto, Ontario Canada asked:
"I have created a Word document with Section Breaks. When I print the
document the message 'Section Break (Next Page)' is printed as well. Why is
this happening and how do I print a page without this message?"
Reply from Bill
Coan, author of Section
Break articles:
"Hi Karen,
"First, congratulations on stumbling on this. Some users have been
searching for years for a way to include Section Breaks and Column Breaks
on their printouts!
"Uh, ahem. This is a known bug in Word 2002. The bug shows up only
when you print a selection of text, rather than a whole document or a range
of pages. (In other words, to reproduce this bug, you would have to choose
File/Print and then, under Page Range, choose Selection.)
"To work around the bug, simply print the entire document or a specific
range of pages, rather than a selection of text. (Technically, you
could copy the selected text to a new document and print the entire new
document, which would consist only of the original selection, but your headers
and footers would almost always be missing from the printout.)
"To print a specific range of pages, proceed as follows:
- Determine which pages are the first and last pages in the selection
(for example, pages 2 and 4).
- On the File menu, click Print.
- Under Page range, click Pages, then in the Pages
box type the range of pages that you want to print (for example, type
2-4), and then click OK. "
Reply back from Karen:
"Hi Bill,
"As I was reviewing the attached document I remembered another
problem I had with Section Breaks. For example, I would select Section
Break Type, Next. Section Break (Next Page) would appear in the document
and then change to Odd Page or sometimes New Page. The New Page message
baffled me. I gave up on Word and went back to WordPerfect for documents
with chapters. Please note that my recall is not 100% on the details.
My husband had problems with Section Breaks in Word 2000 and gave up
on it as well.
"I have attached the document in question which has been stripped
of most of the text."
Reply back from Bill:
"Hi Karen,
"There was a bug in Word at one point that caused some section
breaks to change spontaneously into a different type of section break.
This was a dreadful bug, but it was fixed in one of the service releases
as I recall. I don't believe it's a problem any longer, unless it
would be for legacy documents created with the early non-bug fixed
version.
"I'm unable to reproduce the section break printing problem
here. The document prints just fine.
"As far as chapters and chapter numbers go, it is true that
this requires some careful set up. I'm not sure whether you've set
all the necessary settings or not. The issues include:
- Section start property for each section
(continuous, new column, new page, even page, odd page)
- Headers and footers linked or unlinked from those of the preceding
section
(controlled by button on Header and Footer toolbar)
- Different first page and different even/odd page setting under
File/Page Setup.
- Page Number start-at value for each section
(controlled under Insert/PageNumber/Format...)
- Chapter style/numbering.
(This is a subject unto itself.)
"Now that I see how many section breaks you're dealing with
and the variable way you're using odd/even pages and first pages,
I realize I don't have time to fully analyze your document. Word is
certainly capable of doing what you want, but you need to start with
a full understanding of the settings listed above. You can glean some
of the basics from the following article at the Word MVP website:
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Numbering/PageNumbering.htm
"I hope this helps. I'm sorry I don't have time to look into
this further right now."
Feedback
Laleh from Rochester Hills, Michigan said:
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for Linda Johnson's article
explaining how to create auto responders in "non-exchange-server"
Outlook environment. I really appreciate her very clear and accurate instructions.
"Invariably one comes across tutorials that are either incomplete, inaccurate,
or confusing. I was amazed at the clarity of the instructions provided by
Linda. In fact, all I had to do was to scan the article and implement each
step.
"This is to thank you for the great assistance."
Reply from Linda
Johnson, author of
Make an Out of Office AutoResponder, using Outlook *Without* Exchange
"Thank YOU, Laleh, for thanking me. It always makes my day to know
that I made computer-life just a little bit easier for someone. I appreciate
your kind words more than you probably imagine."
Editor's Note:
"I agree with you, Laleh, Linda does a great job writing clear, easy
to follow and useful articles. TechTrax is very lucky to have her on the
team. In fact, I found myself checking her article to make sure I
did it correctly, when I wanted to set up auto responses before leaving
for a recent trip!"
Feedback
Carol Baxter from Leeds, England said:
"It would be really useful to know how to capture the printer driver
into a variable in word. I work for a large firm and all our network printers
are called lp(then a number) so the active printer command will not tell me
the name of the printer eg HP Laserjet 4. We have macros for printing.
"Unfortunately the new printers that now come out identify the printer
bins by numbers eg tray 1 is seen as 264 when recorded in a macro. If I could
identify the driver I could modify my macros. The wdPrinterUpperBin etc will
not work for these new printers.
"Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks"
Reply from Jonathan
West, author of the series: Controlling
the Printer from Word VBA:
"Information on how to get at the printer driver isn't in the articles,
but it wouldn't be that hard to add that as a new article. I have some code
lying around someplace, if only I can find it! I'll try and do that for
this month's article, maybe to cover such things as the printer description
as well as driver name. In the meantime, if you are working with a limited
number of printer types on your network, then you can get the list of available
trays for each one by the method already described in the Part 1 article.
It shouldn't be too hard to use the available trays to identify which printer
type is being used, and so work out which tray number to use for the current
print job."
Reply back from Carol:
"Thank you for your prompt reply. Unfortunately getting the list
of available trays does not work for me. We have lots of different printers
and quite a few have the trays called tray 1, tray 2 etc."
Reply back from Jonathan:
"Looks like I have a topic for this month's
article :-)"
See Jonathan's new article: Controlling
the Printer from Word VBA, Part 4: Getting printer driver details.
Feedback
Doug Hemmerling from Fresno, Ca. said:
"What is that thingie? This is a tremendous article, it was a great
refresher for me. Linda does a real nice job of making these things understandable
without talking over your head."
Reply from Linda
Johnson, author of What
Is That Thingie Called, Anyway?:
"Hi Doug. So glad you appreciated the article. I know when I first
got into computers, the terminology is what always got me into trouble,
so I'm glad when I can make it a bit clearer for others."
Feedback
Mike Baynes from Surrey BC Canada said:
"Hi Dian,
"I especially enjoyed Linda's article on What's that Thingie called?
"I frequently, try to help others with their computers via email. One
of the most difficult things to get across to others is what the different
objects they see on screen actually are. Now I have a reference site to send
them to."
Reply from Linda
Johnson, author of What
Is That Thingie Called, Anyway?:
"Glad it's helpful to you, Mike. I'm hoping the techies and the
users alike can use it as a reference so they understand each other better."
Feedback
Another reader wrote:
"I enjoyed the first two articles on MSAccess and look forward to more."
Reply from Beth
Melton, author of the series on Databases:
"Sorry for the delay getting back to my series. I've been tied
up writing programming courseware for a college course I teach. So I was
under some heavy deadlines. But I'm glad you've enjoyed them so far. And
now that I feel so guilty that readers are waiting for me <smile>...you'll
find a new article this month!"
See Beth's new article: Access
Data "Clean-up" Tips
Feedback
Another reader wrote:
Regarding this article: Registry
Tip for Increasing Icon Cache
"I have tried this and it didn't work. The settings always defaulted
back to the DefaultValue 2048, regardless of which radio button was selected.
Also, the reference to DWord is confusing. How else do you enter the dword
value if you don't use a string. If I am missing something, please forgive
my ingnorance. Kind regards."
Reply from Vic
Ferri, author of Registry
Tip for Increasing Icon Cache:
"The article states:
"'The information below is provided with the assumption that you have
some knowledge of the registry editing, but if not, I have the file premade
and stored in the Files Section at WinTips&Tricks
(filenmame: iconcache.reg)'
"This assumes the user knows about dword values and the difference
between string and dword. All I can suggest, is to download and use the
premade file. I can't possibly know if an error was made, but using the
premade file will reveal whether one was made or if it just doesn't work
on the user's system, in which case there's nothing I can do. All I know
is that these are the proper registry settings and they work in Windows
98/98se, 2K and XP. If not, it's beyond a registry problem which is beyond
me. I assume APPLY is being clicked after a choice is made? Hope this helps."
Reply from reader:
"Thanks for the reply. I have moved on from this "problem"
and found a resolution outside a registry change ~ it turned out to be
a video driver issue.
"However, I was able to take the essence of the article and change
the registry value to what I wanted, but without any alternatives being
available ~ I can only presume that I was doing something wrong ~ I wouldn't
be surprised if I hadn't clicked apply, I've done stranger things.
"Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my query. Also,
could you thank the author of the article, I found it very interesting
reading."
Feedback
Daniel V. Gomes from Sertaozinho-SP Brazil said:
"I am an Electrical Engineer, but in the last two years I have been
writing manuals. And we use Word. Yes, I used to complain about Word. I also
used to call myself an "Advanced user" but I had never read the
help or a Word book. Don't worry, I realize how wrong I was.
"Since I had to really work with Word, I've adopted a list of procedures:
- I listen to what MVPs say
- I listen to what people on user group lists say
- I use the HELP file a lot
- I read many Word books (including Dummies series, these are good
for a faster reference)
- I read on line tutorials
- I bought myself a Word VBA Book
- I don't call myself an "Advanced user" anymore
- I use styles, fields and VBA
"Actually last week one of the co workers here complained about Word
and styles. And I sort of became the Word fan here at the office and this
guy was saying to me "styles are crap!" "Styles work for nothing"
blah blah blah "I am an Advanced user and do not use styles".
"I told him, you are not an advanced user, neither am I. I keep
insisting so that people read on line tutorials, no matter if from an MVP
site or Microsoft or whatever. I do it and it helps me."
Editor's
reply:
"Sounds like someone has been paying attention to our preaching!<smile>
These are wonderful words of advice, Daniel!! I hope others who feel
the same as that 'guy in your office' learn from your experience! Seeing
what you've learned, I think you're more of an "advanced" user
than you may think! <wink>"
Feedback
Dawn Crosier, Application Specialist, from Wichita said:
"We found another use for your File Cataloger template! We use it to
bring the files into the Word table so we can test to make sure that the file
names do not exceed 60 characters. This has eliminated problems when we get
ready to burn a directory to CD. The secretaries and assistants have more
control over file names. Our Help Desk loves putting the responsibility back
on them!"
Reply from Greg
Chapman, developer of the free, award winning File
Cataloger Word utility:
"Thanks for letting us know how you're using it, Dawn. It's amazing
all the uses people have discovered with this program. I'm just happy it's
useful for folks."
Feedback
Mervin Keck from Harrisburg Pennsylvania said:
"Hi Dian,
"As you know I have an internet radio show. I also have a web site at
www.countrybumpkinshow.com.
Four of the broadcasters at ACB Radio Interactive are using your catalog macro
to catalog their music library in order to convert it to a text file and make
available in a web search. Check out my web site to see what I mean. I couldn't
have done it without that cataloger. Well, I could have but it would have
taken four days instead of half an hour. <grin>
"Thanks also for your support on and off the list.*"
Editor's
reply:
"Thanks for the great feedback CB...Greg was thrilled to see how
you're using his File
Cataloger at your station!"
*(Note: Mervin, aka, Country Bumpkin, is a blind PC user and also runs
a very popular Word email support list of which Dian
Chapman and Linda
Johnson is a regular support contributor for Word users...both sighted
and blind alike. If you want to join a great Word community support list,
click this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/word-ms/.)
Feedback
Reginald George from Kansas City MO asked:
"Hi,
"I am a blind screen reader user and I don't mind reading your mag online,
but I think I would love to get the back issues in Word from May to Jan. 2003.
I am a rehab engineer and computer trainer of blind people living in Kansas
City MO and, I want to thank you for a wonderful resource. It's so great that
you are so open on your main pages about making people aware that us screen
reader users exist. Most people don't even know what one is. I haven't read
your tutorials, but I imagine you are the type of person that lists the keyboard
shortcuts when they are available and, this is really unusual so thanks in
advance. I can tell I am going to have fun and learn a lot.
"I stumbled on your newsletter by accident from Mike's
What's News and from Linda
Johnson's worthy ABC ~ All 'Bout Computers newsletter. I had heard of
the site before, but just now had time to click around there. I'm more of
a tech than anything but, I fell into teaching and I enjoy helping people.
Best of luck in what must be a labor of love."
Editor's
reply:
"Reg: Attached to this email are individual zipped docs of each
TechTrax issue you requested. Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, about
a year ago I didn't understand screen readers either, but one of the Word
lists I help to support is not only run by a blind user, but many of it's
800 members are blind users, too. I started asking them to teach me how
to teach them and I now have many blind friends who provide me with valuable
feedback related to blind user support issues. I also joined Blind Office
and Blind Developers user groups. Now that I'm understanding better and
learning just how many blind and disabled PC users are out there who depend
on their PC for vital access, I'm doing what I can to spread the word that...yes,
there are a lot of users out there who need specialized support."
Reply back from Reg:
"As far as vocal blind computer users out here, Microsoft should
know better. Especially after they forced their software divisions to
include access to Active Accessibility, such as it is, in the Office programs.
One issue I didn't know if you were aware of is that floating clipboard
in Word 2000 and Word 2002. It can be docked but, it's a pain in the ass.
For us it gets in front of text and, the screen reader doesn't read what's
behind it. Anyway, thanks for the issues and, I'm sure I will get to them
eventually. I still need to train myself and do bills so I can get paid
for the work I do. It's information overload. All I would ask from your
tutorials is not to have to read passages like, "click on the blue
moving window and drag it over on top of the selected frame to drop in
the object," without some way of doing the same action from the keyboard
when it's available.
"I will pass your web site on to some blind PC users lists I'm a
part of. Anyway, all the best to you and your family."
Feedback
Another reader asked:
"I just found your site, and am impressed with the knowledge provided
by your articles. Please send me copies of all back issues (to May 2002),
in Word format if possible."
Editor's
reply:
"Thank you so much for your kind comments. The back issues are
in your email! <wink>"
Feedback
Robin Seaver from Bluffton, SC said:
"February newsletter - just too much GOOD stuff! You guys really out
did yourselves this month! Excellent contributed articles, too. Thanks!"
Editor's
reply:
"Thanks so much for these great comments, Robin! And particularly
for taking time to pass them along."
Feedback
Carol Neal from Kent, England, UK said:
"I think your ezine is brilliant and also your contribution to Linda's
MSO discussion list. Lots for me to learn - and I
*love* learning.
"Incidentally, I downloaded your Free
Word Tips & Tricks eBook and was well pleased. I work in MS Word most
of the time and was amazed there were still many shortcuts I didn't know about.
Great links as well. Thanks for an excellent freebie Dian!"
Editor's
reply:
"Thanks so much for the kind word, Carol. I'm glad you enjoy TechTrax.
And yes, Linda's Microsoft Office group is a great place to get support...glad
you've found Greg's and my advice on that list helpful. Also thanks for
the great feedback on my free Word eBook. That one was particularly fun
to put together!"
Feedback
Michele Wong Kenmore, Washington (not too far from Bill Gates;o)!)
said:
"You, your husband and the other writers of TechTrax are a valuable
resource to those of us who are learning to use this software."
Editor's
reply:
"Thanks so much for the kind words, Michele...I'm glad it's helping.
(Say hi to Bill for us next time you see him around the local grocery store!<smirk>)"
Feedback
Anita Paling from Christchurch, New Zealand said:
"I've downloaded your eBook and I've been saying "ooooooh"
all the way through it. It's a great book and I've learnt so much.
"I work for a company that develops payroll software and I have managed
the Software Support (Help Desk) for a couple of years and recently moved
departments to manage our Payroll Bureau.
"I'm also part of the companies Training Committee and we are working
on Assessment type learning, our aim is to develop a computer based learning
programme.
"I found your book to be great and it has given me some ideas on how
we could use this type of format for our own reference material. I will be
passing your eBook onto our Documentation team to both learn from and as these
people are also part of the Training Committee, discuss how we might be able
to create our own reference material in the type of book you have.
"I also tried out a couple of your tips in Excel, the ones to split the
window, tile windows and change the Recently Used File List.
"Again thanks for making this eBook available free. I have found it very
useful and know I will refer to it again as my use of Word changes.
"One question: I was working through the AutoCorrect section and took
up your idea of the company name being shortened. However my "add"
button is greyed out. I have looked through the Word Help file but can not
find a reason. Are you able to help me?"
Reply from Dian
Chapman, author of the free Word
Tips & Tricks eBook:
"Hi Anita:
"The problem is that you're probably typing pg[space] as per my original
instructions in the book. But I made a mistake. I was thinking of much older
versions of Word. So add your autocorrect with just pg and no space
after and Word will know the difference between this and any other combination
of those characters. <wink & smile>
"BTW...thanks for the kind words about my book."
Reply back from Anita:
"Thanks for the reply. I've successfully managed to add my AutoCorrect."
Feedback
Another reader wrote:
"Hi,
"I was going to download the ebook until I saw it was an .exe. It's also
much larger than the Word document. Would you mind telling me why it's an
.exe and why I would want it rather than the Word document."
Reply from Dian
Chapman, author of the free Word
Tips & Tricks eBook:
"The book is in EXE format because it's a pretty cool looking image
compiled eBook...with real flipping pages and looks like a real book. Lots
of folks love the actual "book" look versus a plain Word doc...and
so do I. But since you can't print or use a screen reader with this eBook
version, I always also provide a text version for those who need it because
they can't handle the larger download bandwidth, want to print the technical
info, or are one of the many blind users who needs to have text which can
be read with a screen reader. Either version will provide you with the same
info. One just looks a lot cooler. Enjoy!"
Reply back from reader:
"Dian,
"Thanks for your quick response. I've never read any kind of ebook.
I normally will not download a .exe from the web, but given that you're
an MVP and Greg's a pilot, I did the download:-) Yes, I'm rather paranoid
about security. I've never gotten a virus and don't intend to."
Reply back from reader:
"I have read your ebook and I want to say thanks! It pointed me
to info on getting my macros into a separate template and making them
available to all my documents. Is there some info on MouseTrax that
will show me how to add my macros to a customized toolbar?"
Reply back from Dian:
"I have this article, which discusses custom toolbars and menus:
http://www.mousetrax.com/toolbars.html
"And in my article in TechTrax called Sharing Macros,
I discuss this and even have an animated GIF file that shows how to
add macros to a menu. It's about the same for a toolbar, you just
drag it to your new toolbar, after you create a new one.
"See http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=166
for details."
Feedback
Kari A. Howell from Cleveland, OH said:
"Dian--
"Hello. I just opened your Free Word Ebook and WOW! How did you create
this Ebook? Is it a program of some sort? Flash, etc.? This is exactly the
type of thing I've been looking for. (Forgive me, I get excited over things
like this.) :-)
"Even as an advanced user of Word, I've still learned quite a bit from
you on the Word
list, so thank you for your hard work."
Reply from Dian
Chapman, author of the free Word
Tips & Tricks eBook:
"Thanks much for your great feedback, Kari. The program I use to
create my eBooks is ExeBook.com.
It is a cool program and creates a neat looking book. The only problems
I've discovered is that you can't print from it (part of it's security)
and because it's image based, blind users can't read it with their screen
readers. So I create the book first in HTML to provide a way for users who
want to print and for blind users. Then I just dump the HTML into the program
and I have a book. Granted, I do some additional formatting to make it look
the way I prefer. But I do love the way the book looks."
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