Activating form field controls

Question

I have put together a form for my church containing check boxes, date selection drop downs,combo boxes and text form fields. I must have somehow locked these controls by choosing an inappropriate active x, add-in selection or other security option because  I am now unable to use these controls in Word 2007. Can you assist me in activating these form field controls?

Answer 1

Peter, Charles & Suzanne:

 

It would seem that the problem stems more from my inexperience with Word 2007 in general and lack of expertise in the use of the buttons in the Developer Tab. It seems that when the 'Design Mode' button is engaged the activex controls must be disengaged and the drop downs and combo boxes are not active. As soon as the 'Design Mode' button is turned 'off' the drop downs and combo boxes are active.

 

Also, from Suzanne's response I have come to understand that the legacy check box will not operate in Word 2007 and that I probably should switch to the activex check box.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help and assistance. One day I may get to know this software better. Your responses are most appreciated and were very helpful.

 

Richard

I agree with Graham, you should not be using ActiveX controls. They require programming knowledge and also don't work if someone switches off your macros. They are very old technology.

Legacy controls work fine in Word 2007 (and 2010). The Add-In I referred to makes it easier to use them. Add Classic FormField Controls to Ribbon.

The first question for you is: Do you want people to be able to freely edit your document, change/delete questions, alter formatting and page layout? If so, you do not want the legacy controls. If you just want your form filled out, legacy controls will probably do what you want.

Answer 2

The only check boxes that work in Word 2007 without macros are the legacy checkboxes (not ActiveX).

If you used the legacy checkboxes, you need to protect your document for filling in forms.

You may want to look at Add Classic FormField Controls to Ribbon.

If you can use macros, you should look at Content Controls Custom Checkboxes.

Answer 3

Do you know what type of controls you actually used?

If you click on the Developer Tab and click "Protect Document", which options are checked?

Then, e.g. click on the Protect Document->Restrict Formatting and Editing" and see what, if anything is checked in there.

If Protect Document->Restricted Access item is checked, you may need to click the Unrestricted Access option to proceed, but I have to say that I am not particularly familiar with those types of restriction.

Answer 4

Peter, Charles & Suzanne:

It would seem that the problem stems more from my inexperience with Word 2007 in general and lack of expertise in the use of the buttons in the Developer Tab. It seems that when the 'Design Mode' button is engaged the activex controls must be disengaged and the drop downs and combo boxes are not active. As soon as the 'Design Mode' button is turned 'off' the drop downs and combo boxes are active.

Also, from Suzanne's respons I have come to understand that the legacy check box will not operate in Word 2007 and that I probably should switch to the activex check box.

Thanks to all of you for your help and assistance. One day I may get to know this software better. Your responses are most appreciated and were very helpful.

Richard

Answer 5

But legacy check boxes and document protection are not compatible with combo boxes and date picker controls, which are ActiveX elements.