WD6X: MacWord Doesn't Support Selected SendKeys Keystrokes

 Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
Article ID: Q118832
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

The WordBasic macro language in Word 6.0 for the Macintosh fails to send certain non-character keystrokes when using the SendKeys command.

CAUSE

Due to a system limitation, the full set of keystrokes are not supported on the Macintosh.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word version 6.0 for the Macintosh. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The following table lists non-character keys that are not available on the Macintosh when using SendKeys: 

   Key                     Sendkeys parameter
   ---                     ------------------
   BACKSPACE               {backspace} or {bs} or {bksp}
   BREAK                   {break}
   CAPS LOCK               {capslock}
   CLEAR                   {clear}
   DEL                     {delete} or {del}
   DOWN ARROW              {down}
   END                     {end}
   HELP                    {help}
   HOME                    {home}
   INS                     {insert}
   LEFT ARROW              {left}
   NUM LOCK                {numlock}
   PAGE DOWN               {pgdn}
   PAGE UP                 {pgup
   PRINT SCREEN            {prtsc}
   RIGHT ARROW             {right}
   UP ARROW                {up}
   F1, F2, F3,...F16       {F1}, {F2}, {F3},...{F16}
The SendKeys command sends the keystrokes specified by the user to the next WordBasic command, just as if the characters were typed at the keyboard. SendKeys must precede instructions that activate the command that receives the keystrokes. On a Macintosh, a SendKeys instruction can send no more than 10 keystrokes and can send them only to Word. SendKeys cannot be used with another program.

The following sample macro types a file name, "TESTFILE", in the File Save As dialog box: 

   Sub MAIN
   SendKeys "TESTFILE"
   Dim dlg As FileSaveAs
   x = Dialog(dlg)
   End Sub
NOTE: When stepping through a macro (using the Step or Step Subs button) that contains a SendKeys instruction, make sure SendKeys and the instruction following are on the same line, separated by a colon.

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   http://www.microsoft.com/supportnet/refguide/

Additional query words: sending code sendkeys
Keywords : macword word6 kbmacro
Version : MACINTOSH:6.0, 6.0.1
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type : kbbug

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Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
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