I did not realize you were using Word 97. I've attached the sample in .doc format.
If you didn't see it, here is Shauna's article for menu versions of Word:
2003 How to create numbered headings or outline numbering in Word 2003 and earlier versions | ShaunaKelly.com There is a comparable one on bullets, I believe.
I hope that helps.
Numbering / bullets is one of the more difficult areas of Word. Here is my website's article on it, but I do not pretend I understand it.
Numbering in Microsoft Word
The technical term I've seen applied to numbering not set up according to Shauna's instructions is "spaghetti numbering." You are adding a modicum of difficulty by wanting the grouping, but not that much.
John McGhie probably does understand it but that understanding requires knowledge at the coding level of Word, not the user or even vba level. Shauna's articles are based on John's work.
A triad of basic points, to my understanding:
- All of the numbering/bullets should be attached to styles.
- The numbering/bullets should all be set up at one time.
- Indents should be set in the numbering dialog, not directly or through the styles. Indents are default formatting for numbering / bullets, but not required.
I am confident that what you want to accomplish can be done, again using at least three styles. My work is as a criminal defense lawyer and my hourly rate for that exceeds $200.00 an hour. While I would not charge that much, I think you are far ahead of the game struggling through it and learning this stuff. First, get the three styles you need without worrying about spacing/grouping. Then apply the keep with next and keep lines together to the styles for everything except the last.