Word 2007 template with document security disables too much?

[Neko-]

I've been working on a template that we used under Word 2002 to
optimize it and re-design it to Word 2007. By now I've spent quite a
bit of time on the document and it looks like it's doing everything it
needs to do. Except for one thing...

Once I apply document security, the document has a few sections it can
secure. I've selected section 1 and 3, since that combination works
like it's supposed to. I can't locate anywhere tho telling me exactly
what section is what. I only allow the changing of the form-fields,
such as textboxes, dropdown menu's and date-selectors.

Now the document works like it's supposed to. The control elements
work, specific pieces of text that need to remain where they are are
uneditable, and the actual document text is separated by a section
break allowing it to be fully editable. Well... it isn't. If I switch
on the display of all 'special characters' I can see that the document
security ends right above the text I want to allow free access to. So
it looks like it's working properly.

However, if the text being inputted requires adding bullets or a
numbering, these options are grayed out. Same with pictures being
inserted. Right click the pucture and a heap of stuff is grayed out.
Tables? Same thing. Since it's in the non-secured part of the document
I expect it to be fully editable. As stated it's not.

Anyone have any idea what is going on, or any suggestions on what to
do?

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

That is the way that is has always been with documents that are protected
for forms. As an alternative, consider using the Content Controls that are
available in Word 2007 or a UserForm

See the article "How to create a Userform" at:

http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Userforms/CreateAUserForm.htm


--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[Neko-]

Thanks for the suggestions...

I'm using the Content Controls in the top half (secured) section of
the document. I can't use it for the body of the document, since using
a Text Content Control will not allow pictures to be added, and a
Picture Content Control won't allow text to be added. I can't use both
at the same place.

Only way around this whole mess I see is if users create their text in
an un-restricted document, and then copy-paste the whole deal into the
text-body. It'll take all settings along that way.

I created an empty document with a non-restricted and restricted part
to test a few things. Seems the Plain text and Rich text Content
Controls both do the same (as in, I can't alter fonts, sizes, bold,
italic, bullits, etc.). Kinda weird, I expected them to behave a bit
different. That stuff is available in the unrestricted part of the
document tho (well, except the bullits that is).

Using a UserForm is going to add a heap of extra maintenance and
possible error-points so I'd rather not do that if I can help it.

Seems I have little in the ways of options then :-(