I have Word 2007 and am trying to create a document template and insert protected fields. In the older version of Word this was simplicity itself but in 2007 it seems to be inordinately difficult to achieve. I have gone to Insert Quick Parts (what is that all about????) and gone to 'fields' but I cannot find out how to insert a simple text field that I can protect and tab from one field to the next. If there's anyone who can help I would be forever grateful.

I am not one of the MVP experts, but I had a similar problem with text in a template. I found that I could protect test by putting the text is a Plain Text Content Control and using the Content Control Properties to prevent deletion of the control and editing of the text.

These are not protected fields but rather text fields in a document protected for filling in forms. In Word 2007 they are the legacy form fields on the Developer Tab. If you don't see a Developer Tab see Developer Tab in Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010.

Take a look at the Add-In on Greg Maxey's page to make it simpler to use these fields. Do not mix the legacy fields with other kinds of fields unless you (1) know what you are doing and (2) really need to do so. Add Classic FormField Controls to Ribbon

Thanks for the reply, I now have exactly what I need and have to wonder why it is buried beneath the bowels of the earth in 2007 and yet is simplicity itself in 2003. Hey ho the wonders of MS Word 2007