Eliminate Unwanted Options in Word
- Feb 26, 2009 6:09 PM EST
- [num] Comments
Q: I use Outlook 2007, with Word as an editor. Sometimes, if I type something the editor doesn't like, such as a word in all capitals, a 'blue lightning' icon appears (most likely hiding what I just typed). How can I make it disappear? Usually, pressing Ctrl did the trick, but no longer. - Pablo Aliskevicius.
A: That's Word trying to help you out. By default the AutoCorrect system fixes many common spelling errors and also applies some automatic formatting rules. If you point at the just-corrected text the icon you mentioned appears; clicking it reveals a menu that lets you undo the correction, suppress that correction in the future, or open the full AutoCorrect Options dialog.
Next time you see that icon open the menu and select "Control AutoCorrect Options". Or, if you prefer, click the round Office button at top left, click the Word Options button, click Proofing at left, and click the AutoCorrect Options button. Un-check the box titled "Show AutoCorrect Options buttons" and click OK. You won't be bothered by that icon in the future. If AutoCorrect does make a correction you don't want, press Ctrl+Z to reverse it.
There's a similar feature that others may find annoying. When you paste formatted text into Word an icon appears that offers a Paste Options menu. This lets you choose to make the pasted text match the formatting of the destination document, among other things. But it frequently gets in the way, even more than the AutoCorrect Options button. To get rid of it, click the Office button, click the Word Options button, click Advanced in the list at left and scroll down to "Cut, copy, and paste". Un-check the box titled "Show Paste Options" and click OK. Gone! - Neil J. Rubenking.