It is very frustrating to have to fight with MS word when it tries to think for you, especially in formatting. For example, I’m trying to write something in
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format, and it keeps messing up the spacing. How do I disable ALL or as many as possible of these damned “you’re too stupid to know what you’re doing” features?
May I suggest you play with Format-Bullets and Numbering and then the Customize button under whichever tab you select.
Frankly, I’ve never tried this, but it’s a good place to start.
Check out “Tools,” "Autocorrect, and “Autoformat.” Under “Apply,” uncheck “Lists.”
a) Uninstall Microsoft Word
b) Obtain Lotus WordPro if you’re on a PC; Nisus Writer if you’re on a Mac
c) Install new software
d) Watch blood pressure drop. Stop cursing at talking paper clips.
How to turn off most of MS Word’s automatic formatting features:
(note: I have Word 2002, so if your version is different these instructions may be slightly different, but you should still be able to figure out where everything is.)
On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options. On the AutoCorrect tab of the AutoCorrect dialog box, uncheck every box. On the AutoFormat As You Type tab, uncheck every box. (That one’s an important one.) And finally, on the AutoFormat tab, uncheck every box.
Might I suggest, by the way, that anyone who cares to express his or her personal opinion about the OP’s choice of software take it to the appropriate forum, which is NOT GQ.