Cannot edit text form fields after merge

Question

Hi

I've got a strange problem where I need to insert a cover sheet into an existing document. The cover sheet contains text form fields that allow for electronic archiving and searching of the main document, and was originally saved in Word 1997 - 2003 format. It saves in Word 2013 format and works just fine. When I use

Insert, Object, Text from file

to put this into the main document however the form fields then become un-editable and just disappear when I try to put text into them.

Is there a fix for this?

Thanks

Paul.

Word 2013/ Office 365 Professional (32 bit)

Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)

Answer 1

That is normal for all Word versions. To retain the formfields' usability, you would have to apply forms protection to at least the Section containing the formfields. You do this via Developer>Restrict Editing>Editing Restrictions:Filling in forms.

Answer 2

Simple and it worked! Many thanks for your time.

Paul.

Answer 3

No, you have to do that to the destination file after insertion.

Answer 4

That is normal for all Word versions. To retain the formfields' usability, you would have to apply forms protection to at least the Section containing the formfields. You do this via Developer>Restrict Editing>Editing Restrictions:Filling in forms.

Thanks for the reply. To clarify, do you mean add the forms protection before inserting the file? I'll have a play later and see if I can make it work.

Paul.