I have a Word file with a table. The first column is protected, uneditable data, and the second column is an exception so that users may edit the fields. When I open the document, the cursor starts at the first character. Selecting tab will take me to the second column and first editable data, each successive tab takes the cursor between the first (protected) column and the second (exception) column. How can I make the tab only tab successively down the second column only?

Hi jsr
Have a look at this link.

http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/SetTabOrder.htm

Good luck.
Tony

Tabbing from table cell to table cell is the default behavior. If your document has legacy form fields and is protected for filling in forms the entry point in the document will be a form field and the tab will take the user to the next (created) field unless you use the procedures set forth in the link you were already given.

The key is to not have protection with exceptions, but to have legacy form fields in a document protected for forms.

In a document with content controls (rather than legacy form fields) the tab key does not move from field to field but may even (rich text) insert a tab within the content control.

Making Forms with Microsoft Word