blocking switch into overtype mode

G

Guest

For some reason, I keep switching involuntarily into overtype mode (in Word
2002- SP2). It is possible I am accidentally hitting the INSERT key (I'm on a
new keyboard) but I don't think so. Even if I am, I would like to block
overtype - which I never use - without having to double click OVR on the
status bar or hit the INSERT key each time. Or is there some other arcane
shortcut key combinationa I'm hitting by mistake?

So, how can I block overtype mode, please?
 
G

Guest

Hello Clive-

I don't know of any way to permanently disable Overtype, but you can
reassign the Insert key in a couple ways.

One is in Tools>Options>Edit and select the option for Use INS for Paste. Of
course, if you are hitting it accidentally you will paste whatever may be on
the clipboard. That may be more problematic than Overtype.

Another option is to record a macro that takes no actions and assign the
Insert key as it's keyboard shortcut & saved to AllDocuments (Normal.dot).
That effectively 'kills' the key altogether.

Good Luck |:>)
 
G

garfield-n-odie

To disable the Insert key in Word, click on Tools | Customize |
Keyboard | Categories: All Commands | Commands: Overtype |
Current keys: Insert | Remove. If you are prompted to save
Normal.dot when you exit Word, say yes. You can still turn on
overtype mode when needed by double-clicking on the OVR indicator
 
G

Guest

garfield-n-odie said:
To disable the Insert key in Word, click on Tools | Customize |
Keyboard | Categories: All Commands | Commands: Overtype |
Current keys: Insert | Remove. If you are prompted to save
Normal.dot when you exit Word, say yes. You can still turn on
overtype mode when needed by double-clicking on the OVR indicator
on the Status Bar at the bottom of your Word window.

Thanks: I don't know if disabling the Insert key has worked but at least I now know the technical term is Overtype, rather than 'Why is it eating the **** text again?' and I know what the OVR button is for!

This has been annoying me off and on for years, so cheers!
 
G

Guest

YESSSS! Hallelujah! This problem has been a thorn in my side for years, and
now I can FINALLY permanently disable it. YEA!
 
S

Suzanne S. Barnhill

The Insert key is a toggle. When you find yourself in Overtype mode in any
application, press Insert again to toggle back. It is dismayingly easy to
hit Insert by mistake when you're shooting for Backspace or Delete.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA

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