TOCs--Outline No's vs Master Doc

[Andy]

I'm trying to create a table of contents in Word 2002 for multiple documents
being merged into one. I've used the master document approach in the past
with mixed results, so I'm considering pasting all my doc's into one
composite document and then doing the TOC. However, each doc has sections
numbered with outline style 1, 1.1, 1.1.1, etc., and they get messed up when
I combine them into one doc. Any suggestions for the best overall approach?

TIA,
Andy

 

[garfield-n-odie]

Answered in another newsgroup. Please do not multipost.

 

[Charles Kenyon]

Set up your numbering using styles following the instructions in: How to
create numbered headings or outline numbering in your Word document
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/OutlineNumbering.html. (For
bullets see http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/bullets/controlbullets.html, the
subject is related.)
Numbering in Word is broken, this is the only way to predictably have it
work.

This is based on ...

Word's Numbering Explained
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Numbering/WordsNumberingExplained.htm

Additional information you may find useful or need is at:

How to Create a Template, Part II
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Customization/CreateATemplatePart2.htm

You should avoid using Master Documents. "Master Document" is a term of art
in Word referring to a "feature" that not only doesn't work but also
destroys documents. The consensus (with the limited exception of Steve
Hudson) among those offering advice on these newsgroups is that using the
Master Document feature is a good way to destroy your document. It can
destroy parts of your document that you are not even working on! I think
John McGhie said it succinctly when he said that there are two kinds of
Master Documents: Those that are corrupt and those that will be corrupt
soon. See http://www.addbalance.com/word/masterdocuments.htm for
information on the Master Document feature and workarounds. See
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/General/WhyMasterDocsCorrupt.htm for more
information on what goes wrong, and
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/General/RecoverMasterDocs.htm for ideas on how
to salvage what you can. See
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/magazine/technical/masterdocs.doc for
Steve Hudson's instructions if you are willing to follow them very
carefully.

--

Charles Kenyon

Word New User FAQ & Web Directory: http://addbalance.com/word

Intermediate User's Guide to Microsoft Word (supplemented version of
Microsoft's Legal Users' Guide) http://addbalance.com/usersguide


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