bookmarks in tables problem

[Jeroen Verburg]

Hi,

I am using Word XP, Dutch version.

I am making a form that will be filled in by others. The formfields in
protected forms give me too many restrictions, so I use a simple
table. I want to copy basic information from the first few cells to
other locations in the form. For this I use bookmarks en REF-fields.
Works OK if the cells have entries in them before I make the
bookmarks.

The problem is this: I want to make an empty form. Users fill in the
entries in the cells, and then the ref-fields copy the text to the
other locations. This doesn't work.
If I have them fill in empty cells, the typed text is not included in
the bookmark that was inserted earlier, so the ref-fields remain
empty.
If I have them fill in a field (like {macrobutton nomacro 'Text
here'}) and add a bookmark to that field, the bookmark is overwritten
(deleted) by the inserted text.
If I bookmark the entire cell, a cell (with the correct text) is
inserted at the ref-location (resulting in a cell within a cell)
If I use a Fill-in field I have to explain to the users to use F11 and
F9 to fill in the form. I would rather have them just type in the
right place.
An Ask-field is not simple enough for the users to use (e.g.
correcting input).

Is there a simple way to do this that I have overlooked?

Thanks,

Jeroen Verburg

 

[Graham Mayor]

A userform would be the best choice to gather information see
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Userforms.htm-- <>>< ><<> ><<> <>>< ><<> <>><

 

[Bruce Brown]

Jeroen

You might also want to look at Bill Coan's article "How to add pop-up
lists to any Word document, so you can click your way through changes
in seconds - Or how to use the AutoTextList field"

http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/AutoTextListContent.htm

Bill's method completely eliminates the need to protect a document and
frees you from the restrictions you're unhappy about.

Although it's not mentioned in Bill's article, when you bookmark an
AutoTextList field, the bookmark *can't be deleted* by changing the
contents of the field. This guarantees that the bookmark will always
be there for your REF fields to refer to, no matter how many times the
user goes back and edits the AutoTextList field.

Why should you have to sacrifice spellchecking, drawing tools, and
text formatting for the privilege of having fill in forms? As Bill
observes, "That's quite a penalty to pay just so you can choose an
item from a list!"

- Bruce