Microsoft KB Archive/65698

Using BACKSPACE Key in Overtype Mode

PSS ID Number: Q65698 Article last modified on 11-02-1994

5.50 6.00

MS-DOS

= SUMMARY =

While in the overtype mode (ALT+F5) of Word version 5.5 or 6.0, the BACKSPACE key can only be used to highlight text that has been entered since the overtype mode was activated, a menu was last selected, or the insertion point (cursor) was moved. Pressing the BACKSPACE key once this point is reached will result in a “beep” or no response (depending on whether or not Mute is selected in Utilities Customize).

For example, once the cursor reaches the point where text was entered prior to the overtype mode being activated, Word will beep and/or the cursor will not move when the BACKSPACE key is pressed.

This behavior is by design and is a result of Word’s Edit Undo feature, which allows accidental changes to a document to be undone.

= MORE INFORMATION =

The following is an example of Word’s overtype mode used in conjunction with Edit Undo:

  Type in “This is a test.”   Activate the overtype mode with the cursor positioned on the first “t” in test. Overtype can be activated by pressing ALT+F5 or the INS key if the “Use INS for Overtype Key” option is selected in Utilities Customize.   Type “brand new test” so that the line reads “This is a brand new test.” 

Without selecting a menu command or moving the cursor from its current position, backspace over “brand new.” Select Edit Undo and the line will be returned to its original state before “brand new test” was typed.

KBCategory: kbother KBSubcategory: Additional reference words: 5.50 6.00 ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1994.