Cannot Select Objects using mouse cursor (Word 2010)

Question

Hi

I recently upgraded from Office 2007 Pro to 2010 Pro+. I inserted some shapes and when to select them - prior to grouping. I did the 'normal' thing: click the arrow shape on the ribbon, clicked Select Objects, brought my cursor on the page again and left-click and hold while I lasooed the objects. The lasooe part didn't happen. Nothing was captured by moving the cursor over the area where the objects were.

Can anyone suggest what's happening, and how it can be put right?

Thanks

Answer 1

Lasso selection works as long as the document is in Word 97-2003 format (in Compatibility Mode). When it's converted to Word 2010 format (or created new in Word 2010), dragging doesn't even show the lasso outline.

This is not true in Word 2007, which does lasso selection in both formats.

I assume this has something to do with the change in the graphics engine between 20007 and 2010, but it's a bug whether Microsoft classifies it that way or not. Ctrl+click is not a usable substitute when there are a large number of small pieces to be grouped.

As a sort-of-workaround, try using the Selection Pane (on the dropdown from the Select button). Unfortunately, that doesn't support Shift+click to select a lot of items in one click.

Answer 2

I've tried everyone of these suggestions. None of the work.  Am using MS Word 2007 to avoid the frustration of not being able to get my work done without this function.

I am getting ready to chuck the whole program and move onto one that will support its own work better than a 2010 Microsoft program still broken in 2013.  Honestly, I wouldn't have a employee that managed to not get the job done in 3 years!  How is this not fixed?

Sorry.  This is very frustrating.

Answer 3

I found the following MS support which works for me.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2447096

I can now lasso multiple objects providing they're created on a canvas

Answer 4

Understand much of your frustrations although opening gambit possibly a little harsh,.

>>What was a highly functional piece of software has been turned into a maze of ridiculously complicated concepts and interfaces......

Indeed, it would have been very good practice and seemingly highly achievable to have provided a choice of each of

- main menu bar

- ribbon bard

This could have served as a nice and easy means of allowing customers to seemlessly transition through bite size experimentation etc

Answer 5

Thank you!  I thought I was going nuts!   AND what a huge handicap this is to me at the moment.  I'm wasting hours in graphics manipulation due to not being able to lasso objects!  Hope they fix this soon.  BUT so glad to know I'm not totally nuts!  THANK YOU!