Problem with automatic numbering

Question

I was having a problem with automatic numbering in Word 10, so turned it off through file-options-proofing. In hindsight, I think this document was corrupt. I am now working on a new document and despite turning autocorrect back on, it is not working. I have restarted Word, but that hasn't done anything. Specifically the autocorrect on spelling isn't working, but more annoyingly the automatic numbering doesn't work. When I am typing a numbered list and press return, it resorts to the normal format. That is it loses the number, the indentation and even the font. My solution is to use format painter to copy the previous style, but this is time consuming in the document that I am writing which is a contract requiring pages of specific numbering and formatting. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hello Caroline,

Let's try the following methods and verify the result:

Method 1

Let's run 'Fix it' from the following KB link and check if numbering works as expected in Word 2013:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921541

Method 2 ****

If issue still persists, repair the Office suite following instructions mentioned in the link below and verify the result:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/repair-office-programs-HA010357402.aspx

Hope the above information helps. Reply with the result and I'll be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Thanks Doug, I've already got all the settings switched on as suggested, but it's like the autocorrect is disabled somewhere else.

It is important to note that there are parallel switches for "AutoFormat" and "AutoFormat As You Type." The dialogs look very similar.

However, as was pointed out, numbering created by this feature can be problematic. The most rubust numbering is that set up following the directions at How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Ribbon Versions of Word by Shauna Kelly .

Answer 3

Thanks Doug, I've already got all the settings switched on as suggested, but it's like the autocorrect is disabled somewhere else.

Answer 4

Go to File>Options>Proofing>AutoCorrect Options... and the click on the AutoFormat As You Type tab and check the boxes for Automatic bulleted lists and Automatic numbered lists.

You may also want to see the article "How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in your Microsoft Word document" on the following page of the Late Shauna Kelly's website:

http://www.ShaunaKelly.com/word/numbering/OutlineNumbering.html