When Replace Doesn't Work

Summary: Find and Replace is a great tool, but what are you to do if your find or replace doesn't work as you expect? This tip provides a few pointers that will help you track down the cause of whatever problems you are facing. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

When you try to replace text in your document using Find and Replace, things may not always work as you would expect. If they don't, check these factors:

Have you made a selection of text? If so, the replace operation will work only within that selection.
Have you cleared the formatting? (Unless the formatting is necessary for what you are trying to do.)
Did you spell the Find What and Replace With text correctly?
Are the search modifiers (match case and whole word) selected properly?

If these factors are set properly and it still doesn't work properly, then you should exit Word and restart the program. You will then be able to perform the replace anew, with Word in a "fresh" condition.

Tip #26 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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When Replace Doesn't Work