update index button grayed out

Question

Hi,

I am working on a Word 2010 document and would like to update only the index, but the Update index button is grayed out.

I can update the index by selecting the entire doc and pressing F9, but this updates everything - TOC and cross-references, fig numbers, etc. - which I don't want

Any insight as to what I need to change to make the button active is much appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi Veni,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community and we will be glad to assist you with your concern about updating index entries.

I would like to ask a few questions, for more clarification on the issue:

1. How are the index entries inserted in the document?
2. Press Alt+f9 and check if the field codes are available for index entries.

The Update Index option will be available only when you have placed the cursor on the index entries. If you have paced the cursor anywhere else in the document then the Update Index option will be greyed out.

I hope the above suggestions help to resolve your issue. If you need any further assistance reply and we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi Anula,

Thank you! This is the info I was looking for.

I am adding the index entries though the Mark Index Entry dg box. When I click on an index entry in the code field, the button is still not activated. However, after your suggestion, when I click on an index entry in the already generated index, the button is activated.

Usually, after I've added new index entries, I would want to update my index so that I can check how they integrated with existing entries. The normal workflow is that you would want to update the index while you are still in the actual, body text of the document, and then, after you update the index, you would go and review the final output.

So, I find it very unintuitive that the button is grayed out and shocking that this is not documented in the online help or anywhere else!

Anyway, thank you for the quick response. It is very helpful!

Answer 3

You should be able to update any given index by clicking anywhere within the index itself and pressing F9.

Answer 4

I have the same problem.  But after reading what both Anula and Veni have said and rechecking to be sure my cursor is in the already generated index when I look at "Index" under "References," the "Update Index" is still grayed out.  I, too, generated my index by clicking "Mark Index."

Answer 5

I have just thought of something that might make a difference.  I have revised my index so that, instead of being divided into sections A, B, C, D, etc., it is divided by topic: "Who's Who," "Where's Where," etc,.  Does that make a difference?