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Field code insertion error

Anonymous
2013-11-13T23:37:00+00:00

Hello,

I'm having considerable difficulty in Word 2013 getting fields to work correctly when inserting them using CTRL+F9.  If I go to the insert ribbon and insert a field that way it works fine.  However, if I use CTRL+F9 to insert the brackets and then type the field code (exactly as if I inserted it via the ribbon) it brings up the error message "Error! Too many picture switches defined."  I am unable to work out what I am doing wrong.  The screen shot below shows the error message and the field code.  Any assistance anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,

Shane

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Paul Edstein 82,861 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-11-14T01:25:21+00:00

    Microsoft Word still inserts the \* MERGEFORMAT switch when you insert it from the ribbon.

    The \* MERGEFORMAT switch is only inserted if you leave the 'Preserve formatting during updates' option checked.

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  2. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2013-11-14T01:16:36+00:00

    If you want to send me a document that exhibits the problem, I will investigate it.

    You can decipher my email address from my signature or obtain it from my profile at:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/5846a56b-3e92-46d7-b5bf-4f65922e1f56?sort=lastreplydate&dir=desc&tab=qna&forum=&filter=All&page=1&tm=1374543937262

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-14T00:52:14+00:00

    Microsoft Word still inserts the \* MERGEFORMAT switch when you insert it from the ribbon.  I have tried the field code without the \* MERGEFORMAT switch and I still experience the same issue.  It's got me completely baffled.  A repair install has unfortunately not rectified the issue.

    Regards,

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  4. Paul Edstein 82,861 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-11-13T23:51:43+00:00

    Both constructs look fine to me and neither should cause any errors. That said, though, you really don't need the \* MERGEFORMAT switch. Did you select the field and Press F9 to update it?

    If the problems persist, try repairing the Office installation (via Programs & Features > Microsoft Office > Change in the Windows Control Panel).

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  5. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2013-11-13T23:49:47+00:00

    I cannot replicate the problem here in Word 2013.  However, the \* MERGEFORMAT switch is not required.  Does it work without that.

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