As already indicated, footers cannot contain a section break. A footer is part of a section, not the other way around. If your footer indicates it is in Section 2, that is because it is part of the second section. There is a section break before it.

Here are some more links:
Numbering Front Matter (Ribbon)
Sections / Headers and Footers in Microsoft Word (Ribbon Versions)

Ok thank you.

I managed to get rid of all the section breaks. I followed the instructions but am not able to start numbering on the first chapter. One of the techs told me to upload the document. May I still do that so that you can fix the page numbering for me? Chapter 1 is called Desperation and Hope which should be page 1. Thank you and sorry to keep bothering you. The instructions really have me confused.

By all means. Do be aware of the attachment file-size limitations, though.

We really only need the part of the document from the first page up to and including the Chapter 1 heading (Desperation and Hope). Once that part is fixed, you should be able to copy the rest of your document and paste it in after that heading - or make the same changes to your own document.

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

There is nothing in the links you gave me that indicate how to start page numbering on a different page. I want to start numbering on the first chapter of my manuscript. I read all of the links and nothing relates to my issue. Please advise. No one has been replying to me the last few times I have left messages here.

This forum is staffed by volunteers. No one here works for Microsoft. I do not see any new posts by you in this forum since my last reply on February 11.

Paul and I both gave you the following link.
Numbering Front Matter (Ribbon)
It tells how to do what you want. Have you read it?