WD97: Parentheses Missing, Shows Decimal in a Number Form Field

ID: Q198365

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you try to enter a number into a number form field formatted with parentheses, the parentheses are lost, and the number is changed to a decimal value.

For example, when you insert a number form field into a Word document and change the Number Format to include parentheses, as in a telephone number

   (###) ###-####

the number you type into the protected form field does not include the parentheses and is changed to a decimal value as in the following example:

   8005551212.00

WORKAROUND

Use a different character in the Number Format. Do not use parentheses in the Number Format of the Number Form Field.

For example, in the Number Format of the Number Form Field, use a dash to separate the area code, as in this example

   ###-###-####

which results in the following when you type your number in the protected forms document:

   800-555-0188

To change the number format, follow these steps:

1. On the Forms toolbar, click the Protect Form button to unprotect your

   form document.

   NOTE: If the Forms toolbar is not showing, on the View menu, point to
   Toolbars, and then click Forms.

2. Double-click your number form field to access the Text Form Field

   Options dialog box.

3. In the Number Format box, delete the parentheses and type a different

   character to separate the area code from the rest of the telephone
   number, and then click OK.

4. On the Forms Toolbar, click the Protect Document button to re-protect

   your form document.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to insert a form field, click the Office Assistant, type "How do I insert a form field?," click Search, click the "Insert form fields or ActiveX controls in a form" topic, and then click to view "Insert form fields in a form."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
   TITLE     : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
               Program or Component

Additional query words: formfield parenthesis

Keywords          : kbfield word97 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

Last Reviewed: February 13, 1999