Insert key doesn't work as overwrite function.

Question

Original Title: Over-write.

The INSERT key no longer works as the OVERWRITE function.  How do I overwrite in Windows 7?

Answer 1

In Word go to file, Word options advanced and choose "Use the Insert key to control overtype mode then check the box use overtype mode.

Its of by default, I like it because I would often accidently hit insert.

Answer 2

What exactly you mean by ‘overwriting function’?

Classic.  I feel this is what Microsoft has become now.  They removed so many features from Windows now and made the UI so inconsistent that I'm frustrated even looking at it.  I can't believe they spent time adding an option to disable a feature that's on virtually every keyboard ever made.  I noticed a while ago that insert wasn't working but I couldn't figure out why and never looked it up until today when I had time to investigate it, and what do you know?  It's another "feature" no one asked for or needs.

Answer 3

Thanks, screenager, that was really helpful!

I had been puzzled by the disappearance of a very common function that has been around for years.

To MICROSOFT: It should just be set to "ON" by default in Office. You can't just disable functions because some people may have problems with them. Office is used by professionals, after all.

Answer 4

He's right.

the INS key on a default keyboard is not working anymore. I've tested this on Win7 Ultimate x64 and Win7 Pro x86, both OS are installed on different hardware)

That is to say,

1. You need to activate this option in some programs (e.g. Office 2007/2010)

see also: http://www.technize.com/how-to-enable-insert-key-in-microsoft-word-2007-word-2010/

2. other programs do support this option by default (e.g. notepad2)
3. too bad for programs where this option isn't available anymore (e.g. notepad)

Answer 5

It's not strange to see these pitfalls with Microsoft but this is going down to the next level!! Windows is inefficient compared to UNIX already and this forces to use two keys to do the same function now by removing the INSERT key option. Aha...!!!