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PageRef does not update automatically in current version of Word

Anonymous
2018-04-05T22:01:53+00:00

I created a multi-page document.  I don't want to use a table of contents, but on page 1 I want to indicate what page more info on a topic is.  I Inserted the Field PageRef, after creating unique bookmarks, and linked each PageRef to a bookmark.  All is good, until I edit the document:  The PageRef fields do not automatically update.  Instead, I have to remember to right click on each every time and select update.  Isn't there a better way?  I tried to do some research, and it looks like this is an old feature not really in use in current versions of Word.  It seems like this is a feature that should automatically update the way page numbers in footers automatically update.

I have Microsoft Office 365, Home Version, running on Windows 10.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Charles Kenyon 167.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-04-05T22:17:27+00:00

    Hello,

    I'm an independent advisor that Microsoft asked to assist customers. I'm an experienced user of Office but do not speak for Microsoft. I've been assisting my fellow users for more than 20 years. I hope I can help you.

    I generally just use REF fields inserted with the CrossReference field and switches to show the page rather than the text. However, it is still subject to the same problem - not updating automatically. I'm afraid that is a problem with fields in general.

    If you want, I can show you how to use a macro that would run upon opening your document that would automatically update these fields and which you could run with a keyboard shortcut. Such a macro could also be attached to a QAT modification for your document or template.

    To update all fields in the body of a document you can press Ctrl+A and then F9.

    I hope this information helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions or require further help. If above didn't work, I will supply more troubleshooting steps to solve this problem.

    Regards

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  2. Suzanne S Barnhill 277.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2018-04-17T21:59:55+00:00

    After reproducing the problem, Stefan reported it to the Word team. They have also reproduced it and have opened a bug to investigate the problem.

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  3. Stefan Blom 341.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2018-04-17T12:26:06+00:00

    Note that cross-references will update if you switch to Print Preview (click File | Print or press Ctrl+P) and then return to Print Layout view (for example by pressing the ESC key).

    Edit: Testing this again, it isn't working with the PAGEREF field in Word 2016, not even if the option to update fields on print is selected (at File | Options | Display).

    This appears to be a bug.

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  4. Charles Kenyon 167.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-04-05T22:20:19+00:00

    If you want me to write the macro to update fields, let me know whether you would be using the PageRef field or the Ref field.

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  5. Charles Kenyon 167.5K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-04-05T22:19:09+00:00

    The Cross-Reference dialog is very powerful.

    You should also look into the use of the Built-In Heading Styles as an aid to document navigation.

    http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/numbering/usebu...

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