Delete a paragraph without altering the outline numbering - Word 2003

[marrisa]

Our legal docs in Word 2003 are formatted with styles which apply
outline numbering to each paragraph (1.1, 1.1.1 and so on). Is it
possible to delete paragraphs of text without altering the subsequent
numbering? For example I have paragraphs 2.3.1; 2.3.2 and 2.3.3. I
would like to remove all the wording and the number from 2.3.2 but
still want to see the orignal text in 2.3.1 and 2.3.3. Basically make
2.3.2 disappear without affecting anything else. Thanks very much for
any help.

 

[DeanH]

I am not sure if there is a 'slick' way of doing this but a workaround
solution is to use the Hidden format attribute.
Do you work with Formatting Marks showing? If not, turn them on (Ctrl+Shft+8
or the ¶ icon (on the Home ribbon or the Standard toolbar) to toggle the view
of these).
Delete the text but not the paragraph mark, the 2.3.2 will stay. Select the
paragraph mark, add the Hidden format, when you turn off the Formatting
Marks, and lo - 2.3.1 followed by 2.3.3.
Hope this numbering sequence wont confuse you readers though.
All the best
DeanH

 

[marrisa]

Thanks for that solution. It would certainly work but I was wondering
if there was a way to achieve this using the numbering style and
modifying the numbering scheme from that point onwards? Thanks for
your help.

 

[DeanH]

So long as you have the Outline Numbering setup, then of course you can have
the numbering changed to whatever you want.
Go to Customize on the Bullet & Numbering dialog.
Select Level 3, then increase the Start at: number to 3.
All sebsequent numbers will automatically reflect the change.
Hope this helps
DeanH

 

[marrisa]

Yes...that's it! Thanks very much.

 

[DeanH]

Glad it worked for you.
All the best
DeanH