Substitute for Content Controls in Word 97 - 2003 Document

[taryn]

Hello

I know you can create a form in Microsoft Word 2010 by adding content controls (which include check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists).

Unfortunately, I need to create forms for a programme which is not compatible with Microsoft Word 2010, but uses Word 97 - 2003 instead.

Is there a way of adding (mainly) drop-down lists to Word 97 - 2003 documents?

Thank you.

Taryn

[Charles Kenyon]

Yes. There are a number of ways.

If the user will be able to enable macros consider using a User Form. This is a custom dialog box.
Create & Employ a Userform
Create a Simple Userform

You can also use legacy form fields in a document protected for forms.
Add Classic FormField Controls to Ribbon

You could also use the AutoTextList field.
AutoTextList field - How to add pop-up lists to any Word document, so you can click your way through changes in seconds

[taryn]

Hello Charles

Thank you for your reply to my query. The above methods seem very complicated for the simple thing that I am after (with the exception of the legacy form field controls which, however, require the form to be protected).

I will give you am example of what I want.

I currently have a word document with, for example, the following wording "MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting of the [Sole Member/Members]of the Company".

Is there an easy way of substituting the highlighted section so that users can pick "Sole Member" or "Member" with just one click? And also so that the users are aware that a choice needs to be made in that part of the document?

The form cannot be protected as the user needs to be able to edit some other sections.

Thanks.

Taryn

[taryn]

The highlighted text should have been [Sole Member/Members]

[Charles Kenyon]

Without protection or macros, you are left with the AutoTextList field. I don't know how you can make them aware of the AutoTextList choices. I suppose you could make the default choice something like [Pick one here]. That is, use blaring different formatting to indicate that they have to do something. You would want the formatting to be directly applied formatting in the AutoText entry, not applied to the field itself. That way, when the choice is made, the formatting returns to normal.

Otherwise, a document can have some Sections protected for forms and others that are editable.