Shape connectors don't work in Word XP

[Dirk]

In Microsoft Word XP I wanted to create flow charts and
connect the shapes with arrows. On the drawing toolbar, I
clicked on AutoShapes, then pointed to Connectors, and
then clicked on the connector line I wanted. I was rather
perplexed to find that when I passed the pointer over the
shapes, the connection sites (which should normally show
up as blue circles) failed to appear.

I restared Word assuming the problem was a memory glitch.
That didn't help. I restared the computer. That did not
resolve the problem. I then uninstalled Office XP, turned
off the computer, turned the computer back on, and
reinstalled Office XP -- only to discover that the
problem persists. Why? This should not happen.

The connector sites, however, work in Excel and Power
Point. But never in Word.

How do I fix the problem? Is this an undocumented bug? Or
should I upgrade to Office 2003?


Sincerely,

Dirk Schmid, M.Sc.
Data Analyst
North/South Consultants Inc.
Winnipeg, Canada

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

In order to use connectors in Word 2002 and 2003, you must use a drawing
canvas.

 

[Dirk]

Dear Suzanne.

The drawing canvas setting was, of course, turned off.

Thank you very much for your help!

Dirk

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Most of us keep it turned off (for obvious reasons). When you need to use a
drawing canvas, you can insert one using Insert | Picture | New Drawing.