Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 29, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you are creating a form in Word, it is possible to use two types of fields in the form: regular fields and form fields. Form fields, and how they are updated, are covered in other issues of WordTips. If you are creating a form that utilizes other types of fields that must be periodically updated, it can be frustrating to do so. Why? Because Word doesn't always update regular fields as you are filling in a locked form.
Unfortunately, the only way to update such fields is either to print the document (which normally forces all fields to be updated) or to force updates through the use of a macro. If the latter is the desired course, the macro must accomplish the following:
This is a relatively easy task to do using VBA. You can use a macro such as the following:
Sub UpdateFields()
Dim OneStory as Range
Dim OneField as Field
ActiveDocument.Unprotect Password:="YourPassword"
For Each OneStory In ActiveDocument.StoryRanges
For Each OneField in Stories.Fields
OneField.Update
Next OneField
Next OneStory
ActiveDocument.Protect Type:=wdAllowOnlyFormFields, _
NoReset:=True, Password:="YourPassword"
End Sub
To ensure this macro works for you, you'll want to make sure that you change the verbiage "YourPassword" (two instances) to whatever the password is for your document. If your document doesn't use a password, simply delete the Password parameter in both the Unprotect and Protect methods.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1543) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
The AUTOTEXTLIST field is one of those esoteric fields that you may know nothing about. The cool thing it does is allow ...
Discover MoreWord keeps track of each time you print your document, and you can automatically insert the last printing date anywhere ...
Discover MoreIf you try to add a quote mark or a backslash as part of a field parameter or switch, you may be surprised at what you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments