Document locked while trying to select number of columns

[PJSharp]

Using Word 2003. Have a landscape document. When I select two tables with
text, and try to apply columns, I can access the Columns pop-up window,
select the number of columns, but I can't get out. It stays stuck in the
box, saying "The number must be between 1 and 45". I change the number
again, and get the same message. I am stuck in this document; I can't click
on anything else, I can't save the document, and I can't open another session
of Word. I've done this successfully before, but this is the second time it
has completely locked me out of the document. I'm completely stuck on a time
sensitive project...

 

[Stefan Blom]

Select the document, except for the final paragraph mark (Ctrl+A, Shift+Left
arrow), copy (Ctrl+C), create a new document and paste. Does that fix things?

 

[PJSharp]

No, I cannot do this because the document is completely locked up.

 

[Stefan Blom]

If the document locks as soon as you open it, try Open and Repair.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message

 

[PJSharp]

Please understand. At the time the problem occurs, the document is already
open. It locks within the document while I am trying to apply columns.

Other follow-up: after about 15 minutes, the document unlocked.

 

[Stefan Blom]

Please try the first thing I suggested then, before opening the Columns
dialog box.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


in message