unexpected page breaks when using outline numbering in MS Word 2007

[joeller]

I am trying to use an outline in Word 2007. First let me make it clear that I never had any issues getting the multi-level numbered list format to work in Word 2003 and before, and I have been working with the tool since Word 97. (In fact my home machine still uses Word 97.) Here at work we use Word 2007.

I chose to set up a multi-leveled list linked to the Heading styles Heading1 through Heading 5. I then modified each of the styles so that the appearence was the one I wanted. I used the format I - A - 1 - a -(1) - (a). I had an issue with the fact that when I hit enter on a number line (like from a line number 1 instead of creating a properly indented and properly numbered new line, it would create a new line left justified to the left margin with no number. I discovered a work-around to alleviate this by type an extra period, moving the cursor back to before that period then hitting enter. Then the new line would reflect the format exactly of the previous line. Then I discover an issue that the Header styles were not creating new paragraphs with hanging indents. I had to manually set the hanging indents on the paragraphs until I discovered the above work-around addressed that as well, (unless you changed the level of that new line once it was created). The most annoying problem has to do with undesired page breaks. For no apparent reason on some occassions, (not all, only occasionally), word would insert a page break between an old line entry of say level four and a new line entry at say level 3 or 2. It would not do this when originally typed but after the document was saved, closed, and opened later for new additions. Then suddenly these page breaks are present in the middle of the text. I thought it just might be a presentation issue, but the print-out reflected the same thing. I am present with the ridiculous appearence on a page with three or four lines on it then a bunch of empty space with the next line on a new page. I tried to modify the styles in the Headings being used, but it made no difference. (I hesitate to alter the styles for the entire heading because all the other lines with this style are behaving as per specification.) When I view the page using outline view this is not apparent, but then I lose all of my hanging indents. Then when I switch back to print view, the page break is there all over again. I have examine a number of forum entries dealing with problems with outline view, but they all seem to refer back to someone's else's blog post (Shauna Kelly I believe) with a couple of links. It I read it a couple of times but I don't see where I differenciated from the instructions except for the fact I did not create a template, and open that template as my document.

Does anyone have any ideas that I have not tried?

Edward R. Joell