Para Style Changes (Word 2002 (XP))

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I have justed loaded Office XP and have begun to work with previously created documents. I make generous use of Styles. Many of these defined as part of document templates, with some specific document instances requring some change to a paragraph style.

I have been looking through the various threads describing experences with Styles in Word XP. Many of which match my experience (the creation of Styles based on various changes). I found turning off “Track Formatting’ seems to be at least reducing the list appearing the Style dropdown list.

My question relates to changes to these styles. In previous versions of Word, I would place the cursor in the paragraph (nothing selected), make the change. if I wanted to update the Style, i would highlight the Style name in the dropdown list and hit return. This would be followed by a selection box (update Style or Reapply Style).

In Word 2002, I find that when I go to update the Style, the only action is to reapply the Style. It appears that I have to go through one of the Style change methods (Style list, Format menu item, etc.).

Have I missed something procedurally, or is this just more changed behavior.

thanx

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I found that disconcerting as well. Bascially the easiest way is to keep the Task Pane Toolbar (“Styles and Formatting”) showing on the right. As you make changes to a style, then on the style name, there is a drop down list that gives the option “Update to Match Selection” – not as convenient, but works well when you get used to it.

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I too found this very frustrating, since the Modify Style dialog box was so easy to use. You can still use it!… Under Tools, Options, Edit Tab… click on the Prompt to update style option. Ensure to check off the Keep track of formatting option. It should now work for you! Enjoy… trish

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Keith,

To get the dialogue that offers you the choice of ‘Update the style to reflect recent changes?’ or ‘Reapply the formatting of the style to the selection?’ when you select the style from the drop-down list in the Style box on the Formatting toolbar in Word 2002, you need to go to the Edit page of the Options dialogue on the Tools menu. Among the new options you have in Word 2002 is one labelled ‘Prompt to update style’. If you tick this box you will get the behaviour you were used to previously.

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