[erik_gregory]

Hello,

I make extensive use of intradocument linking. For example, I might copy a
"target deadline" date in one section (link source) and paste it as a link in
another part of the document, which also requires this information. This way,
all dependencies are updated when the link source is modified.

However, when less experienced Word users modify the link source, they often
"blow away" the link source (by selecting all of it and typing over it, and
link dependencies scattered throughout the file break as a result because
they've lost their source). Preserving link source integrity can be done if
you handle the text gingerly (by backspacing over the text and modifying it,
instead of selecting all of it and deleting it), but this is too difficult a
task for my users, apparently.

Does anyone know how to make these link sources more robust and less prone
to breakage when other users modify them? Please advise and thanx!

Erik

[Greg Maxey]

Greetings Erik,

I haven't had a nice steak dinner is quite some time ;-)

The new ContentControls in Word2007 would probably solve your problem. You
can insert the control, set it so that it can not be deleted and then wrap a
bookmark around it. You can the use a REF field to repeat the information
later in the document. Of course all of your users are not likely using
Word2007.

That is about all I can offer.



--
Greg Maxey/Word MVP
See:
http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word_tips.htm
For some helpful tips using Word.


erik_gregory wrote:
Hello,

I make extensive use of intradocument linking. For example, I might
copy a "target deadline" date in one section (link source) and paste
it as a link in another part of the document, which also requires
this information. This way, all dependencies are updated when the
link source is modified.

However, when less experienced Word users modify the link source,
they often "blow away" the link source (by selecting all of it and
typing over it, and link dependencies scattered throughout the file
break as a result because they've lost their source). Preserving link
source integrity can be done if you handle the text gingerly (by
backspacing over the text and modifying it, instead of selecting all
of it and deleting it), but this is too difficult a task for my
users, apparently.

Does anyone know how to make these link sources more robust and less
prone to breakage when other users modify them? Please advise and
thanx!

Erik

[erik_gregory]

Maxey resurfaces! Good to hear from you. Sounds like Word 2007 is definitely
something worth getting--don't know HOW you got it at the Navy cuz we run
about 7-8 years behind the curve here. We're even thinking of installing 2003
in a year or so. Oh, Joy...

"erik_gregory" wrote:

Hello,

I make extensive use of intradocument linking. For example, I might copy a
"target deadline" date in one section (link source) and paste it as a link in
another part of the document, which also requires this information. This way,
all dependencies are updated when the link source is modified.

However, when less experienced Word users modify the link source, they often
"blow away" the link source (by selecting all of it and typing over it, and
link dependencies scattered throughout the file break as a result because
they've lost their source). Preserving link source integrity can be done if
you handle the text gingerly (by backspacing over the text and modifying it,
instead of selecting all of it and deleting it), but this is too difficult a
task for my users, apparently.

Does anyone know how to make these link sources more robust and less prone
to breakage when other users modify them? Please advise and thanx!

Erik