Article ID: 121938 - Last Review: January 19, 2007 - Revision: 1.2

WD: Hyphens Don't Display Correctly with Numeric Picture Switch

This article was previously published under Q121938

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SYMPTOMS

A merge field that contains the numeric format switch does not return correct results when the pictorial representation contains hyphens. For example:
{mergeformat number \# ###-##-####}
produces the following result:
123 45 6789.


NOTE: You obtain correct results when you use other characters (such as the "at" symbol [@], the forward slash [/], the plus sign [+], or the asterisk [*]).

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Enclose the hyphens in apostrophes so that your field appears as follows:
{MERGEFIELD number \# ###'-'##'-'####}

Method 2: Word for Windows and Word for Windows NT

Use the ANSI code when inserting the hyphen. To do this, press ALT+0173 on the numeric keypad with NUMLOCK on.

Method 3

Use a nonbreaking hyphen by typing CTRL+SHIFT+- in Word for Windows or OPTION+- in Word for the Macintosh.

APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Word 97 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 95 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Word 95a
  • Microsoft Word 98 for Macintosh
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kbfield kbprb KB121938
Retired KB ArticleRetired KB Content Disclaimer
This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.
 

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