Overtyupe in Office XP

[hzatph]

I always use the insert rather than overtype mode in Office XP. However, when
I select some text with the mouse and start typing it appears to enter
overtype mode. To be more precise the highlighted text is deleted (which I
expect) and any new text then overwrites existing unhighlighted text as Word
switches to overtype mode. I do not want this.

Does anyone know how to disable this change?

Thanks

 

[Dian D. Chapman, MVP]

Click Tools > Options > Edit > Overtype Mode.

Dian D. Chapman, Technical Consultant
Microsoft MVP, MOS Certified
Editor/TechTrax Ezine

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[hzatph]

Many thanks for the quick response. I agree that this disables overtype once
it has entered into it, but I want to stop it automatically changing from
insert to overtype when I simply select and replace text. Is there a way of
doing this?

Thank you once again.

 

[Dian D. Chapman, MVP]

It should not change. Are you hitting the Insert key?

Dian ~

 

[hzatph]

Good idea - but I am definitely not hitting the insert key thank you. I am
mystified.

Many thanks

 

[Dian D. Chapman, MVP]

Well heck...wait a minute! I just reread your original post and you
say that you first select text and then type. Well geez...OF COURSE
it's going to be deleted and overtyped if you select the text first!
That's the way it works!!

If you want to insert text...they don't select text first. Just click
in the spot you want to enter the text and start typing. The other
text will move.

Why are you selecting text first?

Dian ~

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

You have to go back to her original post, in which she says, "the
highlighted text is deleted (which I expect) and any new text then
overwrites existing unhighlighted text as Word switches to overtype mode." I
find this entirely mysterious. I wonder if perhaps she's in some EXT mode
that is extending the selection as she goes or something.

 

[Dian D. Chapman, MVP]

I've GOT to stop reading posts when I'm in a hurry!<g>

D ~

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Well, when the threads get as long as this one, it's easy to lose sight of
the original problem. I have to keep reminding myself that if I jump into a
thread late, it's almost certain I'll somehow get the wrong end of the
stick!

 

[Bob S]

I always use the insert rather than overtype mode in Office XP. However, when
I select some text with the mouse and start typing it appears to enter
overtype mode. To be more precise the highlighted text is deleted (which I
expect) and any new text then overwrites existing unhighlighted text as Word
switches to overtype mode. I do not want this.

Does anyone know how to disable this change?

Thanks

Turn off the check mark in Tools | Options | Edit tab | "Typing
replaces selection".

Bob S