I'm trying to use Find and Replace to replace a single open quote that appears before certain words ('em, 'bout, 'bye) with an apostrophe. Here are the character codes I'm using:

Find ^0145
Replace ^0146

I have a dummy document with the sample words listed above. When I click Replace All, Word says "All done. We made 3 replacements." To which I respond, "No, Word, you didn't actually make any replacements. The single open quotes are still single open quotes."

I've run this simple F&R before and it worked. Why isn't it working now?

I'm using Word 2013 on a PC with Windows 8.1.

Thanks,



Julie Klein

Are you sure the characters you're trying to replace are indeed ASCII 145?

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

Thank you for responding, Paul.

I tried just searching for single open quotes using ^0145, and yes, that is definitely the code. Searching for single close quotes using ^0146 also works. But replacing ^0145 with ^0146 is not working. Is there something under the More tab that I should check, or some Format or Special option I should be using?

Julie

I suspect Word is trying to be too helpful for you, via its auto-formatting. Try turning off Word's 'straight quotes with smart quotes' option (see under File|Options|Proofing>AutoCorrect Options>AutoFormat As You Type).

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

That was it, Paul, thank you! That will save me a ton of time.

I appreciate your help and this forum!

Julie Klein