Backspace doesn't work in Word 2003 under Vista

[Marion G]

I'm using Word 2003 SP2 under Vista and backspace doesn't work. It's fine in
Excel 2003 SP2 and other non-MS applications. Any suggestions?

 

[Terry Farrell]

Tools, Options, Edit tab and check the Typing Replace Selection option.

 

[Marion G]

Hi Terry

Thanks for the response, but this doesn't help much. I always have this
ticked on, but I've tried it also with it unticked and there's no change. I
don't believe this option comes into play when there's nothing highlighted.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Marion G]

Hi again Terry

I've just read some previous posts re the backspace key moving the cursor
but not deleting the text. This isn't what's happening to me - Word is
absolutely ignoring my press of the key altogether.

Thanks
Marion

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

If you start Word in safe mode (press Ctrl as Word starts, and click Yes to
starting in safe mode), does backspace work now? If so, then try the steps
shown here:


http://word.mvps.org/FAQS/AppErrors/ProbsOpeningWord.htm

In particular, look at renaming normal.dot and deleting the Data key.

 

[Marion G]

Hi Herb, you're a gem. Starting in safe mode, the backspace key worked fine,
so I tried deleting the data key - no joy. But then I tried the other
solution of deleting my normal.dot so it would re-generate when Word started
- woohoo! Thanks heaps!

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

The nice thing about a headache is that it feels so good when it stops. ;-)

Glad to assist.

--
Herb Tyson MS MVP
Author of the Word 2007 Bible
Blog: http://word2007bible.herbtyson.com
Web: http://www.herbtyson.com