Cursor jumps around while typing

[Rock]

I am not a very accurate typist, and I am apparantly
hitting some key while typing in Word 2002 that
automatically moves the cursor backwards; sometimes a
line or two, and sometimes back a paragraph.
I assume this is an automatic editing key that allows one
to quickly change from one place in the document to
another, but I want to be able to turn it off.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Herb Tyson [MVP]]

It's really hard to say without observing you while you're working. It might
be various Ctrl+cursor combinations, such as Ctrl+Up, Ctrl+Left, etc.
Keystrokes can be reassigned/removed using Tools - Customize - Keyboard. I'd
be reluctant, however, to turn anything off until I was sure why it was
happening.

 

[Elizabeth]

I am not a very accurate typist, and I am apparantly
hitting some key while typing in Word 2002 that
automatically moves the cursor backwards; sometimes a
line or two, and sometimes back a paragraph.
I assume this is an automatic editing key that allows one
to quickly change from one place in the document to
another, but I want to be able to turn it off.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If I recall correctly, hitting Shift-F5 will jump the cursor back to a
previous revision. If the row of function keys is close to the top row
of numbers, it could be possible to hit F5 instead of the 6 or 7 key.

I wonder if you're using a laptop? Both my daughter and I found that
when using laptops with a cursor pad (or whatever it's called) just
below the space bar, that we'd get a similar effect of the cursor
jumping back or up. We found that sometimes we'd accidentally brush the
surface of the cursor pad with the lower part of the hand and that was
enough to activate it and jump the cursor around.

 

[Rpock]

Elizabeth, I am using a laptop, and it does have the big
pad jst below the keys. That is certainly a possibility
that I am brushing it with my thumb. The question is, is
there a way to discable the function?

Thanks very much-
Rock

 

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth, I am using a laptop, and it does have the big
pad jst below the keys. That is certainly a possibility
that I am brushing it with my thumb. The question is, is
there a way to discable the function?

Thanks very much-
Rock

I haven't found any way to either disable this function or to reduce the
sensitivity. The only way I've been able to use the laptop
satisfactorily is to change my typing style so my hands are kept further
away from the lower part of the keyboard. I've found with a bit of
practice that this works, but I work as a temporary secretary so I'm
used to adjusting to different keyboards and desks and so on. Also
putting the laptop somewhere lower than on a desk is useful - either on
a low table or on my lap - this can help to keep the hands at a steeper
angle and avoid the cursor pad.

Sorry not to be more help. It may be that some of the other, more
knowledgeable, people in the newsgroup can offer further advice.