Microsoft KB Archive/110108

Converted WordPerfect Outlines Can’t Be Edited in WinWord 6.0

PSS ID Number: Q110108 Article last modified on 11-01-1994

6.00

WINDOWS

= SYMPTOMS =

When you open a WordPerfect 5.1 for MS-DOS or WordPerfect 5.1 or 5.2 for Windows document into Word 6.0 for Windows, outlines are converted to multilevel lists. Appearance is therefore retained in normal and page layout views, but all headings appear flush left in outline view and cannot be demoted to appropriate heading levels.

= CAUSE =

There is a significant model difference in the outline and paragraph numbering features of the two products. So not to compromise the conversion of independent paragraph numbering, the WordPerfect converter supplied with Word 6.0 reconciles these model differences by converting outlines to multilevel lists. Because multilevel numbering is not designed for text also formatted for heading level styles in Word, editing in outline view is not possible.

= WORKAROUNDS =

Two possible workarounds to allow editing of a converted WordPerfect outline in Word are as follows:

  If you have access to WordPerfect, reopen the original WordPerfect document in WordPerfect, activate Reveal Codes, and remove the [Outline On] and [Outline Off] codes that immediately precede and follow the outline heading paragraphs. Resave the WordPerfect document in WordPerfect file format with a new name, and then open the modified WordPerfect document into Word 6.0. Note: This workaround is valid only if each numbered paragraph in the original WordPerfect outline is separated by at least one nonnumbered (nonheading) paragraph.   In Word, select the entire multilevel list following the conversion and from the Format menu, choose Bullets And Numbering, select the Numbered tab, and choose OK. Doing so causes all text to fall flush left in normal and page layout views, but if you choose outline view you can re- establish heading indents by demoting paragraphs to appropriate heading levels. Note: Heading numbers will not be restored using this workaround. If you plan to convert a large number of WordPerfect documents containing outlines, you can modify the default heading level styles in Word 6.0 to include paragraph numbering matching that used in the original WordPerfect document. Having done so, when you demote paragraphs to indent levels within outline view following conversion, numbering will be restored. 

= MORE INFORMATION =

Word and WordPerfect create outlines very differently. Word outlines are based on heading styles; WordPerfect outlines consist of numbered paragraphs. In addition, Word 6.0 supports a single set of nine outline heading level styles, and WordPerfect supports multiple sets of heading styles.

Given that paragraph numbering codes might be encountered within or outside of an outline definition, and/or that multiple outlines (each defined with different sets of outline styles) might be encountered within a WordPerfect document, the WordPerfect converter supplied with Word 6.0 employs the following conversion methodology:


 * If Word encounters a WordPerfect outline, Word converts it to a multi- level list.
 * If Word encounters paragraph numbering independent of an outline definition, and if numbered paragraphs are not separated by one or more nonnumbered paragraphs, Word converts each group of contiguous, numbered paragraphs to a multilevel list.
 * If Word encounters paragraph numbering independent of an outline definition, and if each numbered paragraph is separated by one or more nonnumbered paragraphs, Word applies appropriate heading level styles to the numbered paragraphs.

KBCategory: kbinterop KBSubCategory: Additional reference words: textconv conversion converted converts transfer transfers translation translate 6.00 lost word6 geninfo inf ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1994.