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Issue #327: October 27, 2013

Q: When editing text in documents, I used to be able to highlight text and when I typed the replacing text, the highlighted part would disappear if I stuck the Backspace key or if I just started typing the replacement text. Now when I highlight text and hit Backspace, nothing happens. If I type the replacing text, the new text is inserted into the text instead of replacing it. I’ve tried toggling between “replace” and “insert” on my keyboard but that does not correct the issue.

– Dave C.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida

A: The act of selecting text with the intention of deleting it by typing over it is called a “pending delete”.  Under Windows, it works in most places where you can type text.  Specifically, using either the mouse or keyboard, you select some text and that text will be deleted, pending the very next keystroke you hit, unless it is deselected.  If you’re in software that doesn’t have an undo function, this can be a little dangerous, but if you learn to use it, pending delete can be very useful in situations such as typing a URL in the address bar of a web browser, composing e-mails, and particularly when you’re editing text.

After exchanging a couple of e-mails with you, Dave, and trying out a few things for myself, I’ve somewhat come to the conclusion that this problem is only happening when you’re working in Microsoft Word, and not in any other software.  Under that assumption, the reason nothing changed when you toggled between replace and insert modes (I assume you mean that you simply hit the “Insert” key) is that by default, Word does not support overtype mode – the proper term for what you called “replace” mode.  Unless you jump through a couple of hoops to configure it, by default Word is always in insert mode, so you probably weren’t really toggling anything.  As for the real cause of your problem, for some reason, even though Word has a very good undo feature which allows you to instantly restore any text that you accidentally delete, Microsoft felt compelled to provide a way to disable the pending delete functionality in Word.  I’m guessing that either you or someone else who uses your computer has done just that, because when I disable it on my copy of Word, I get exactly the behavior you described.  To re-enable it, go into Word, and click the “File” tab.  Click on “Options”, then “Advanced”.  At the very top of the list of “Editing Options” you’ll see a checkbox labeled “Typing replaces selected text”.  Check this box, then click “OK” and you should be happily pending deleting in no time.

Attention Geeks!  Apparently an amazing thing has been happening out there lately.  Perhaps I’m doing my job too well, but the number of problems you’re having with your tech gear seems to be going way down.  I say that, because my question queue is just about empty!  It’s not quite bone dry yet, but it’s getting there.  So if you’ve been thinking about sending in a question, now is the time – before I run out of column fodder!  If you’ve already sent one, and it’s been over 8 weeks and you didn’t get an answer, either I couldn’t use your question or it published and you missed it.  So head on over to ItsGeekToMe.co, and check out the archives.  If you don’t see an answer, look for the link that says “Ask a Question”.  Don’t forget, you can always ask about things besides Windows.  I’ll take on any technology question you have!  Ever want to know why they’re called “Cell” phones?  Ask!  Wondering what’s “blue” about a Blu-ray disc, or “hard” about a hard drive?  Ask!  Need some advice on computerizing your Christmas lights?  Come see mine!  I mean, ASK!  It’s ALL Geek to Me!

7 Responses to “Issue #327: October 27, 2013”

  • TerryP says:

    I’ve tried to ask a question several times but after submitting it I get a comment something like the file is full.

    • The Geek says:

      Thanks for pointing this out, Terry. I checked into the problem tonight, and for some reason the service that I use to gather and e-mail the form data says I have exceeded 100 form submissions in the last month (which is NOT the case!). Until I can get this fixed, I’m going to replace the form with a simple e-mail link.

      Thanks again for letting me know.

      -Geek

    • The Geek says:

      Thanks Terry. The problem has been tracked down and fixed. Please let me know if you have any problems in the future.

      – Geek

  • Coombsfl says:

    This guy is amazing. This issue was driving me crazy for over a month. I’m not at Jeff’s level but i am somewhat computer literate. Couldn’t figure it out. Once Jeff got involved, we exchanged a couple of emails filling in some details and VOILA!! He had the solution.

    Great job and a real help.

    Thanks,

    Dave C

    • The Geek says:

      Thanks for the praise, Dave. I wish you’d have posted the “YOU DA MAN!!!” e-mail you sent me — I got a big kick out of your enthusiasm.

      -Geek

  • Roberts says:

    I had the same irritating problem with Word for Mac and until I read this column, I had no idea it could be fixed. Many thanks. There is no “options” listed under File in Word for Mac, but I found a box to check (Typing replaces selection) under Preferences, Edit which fixed the problem for me.


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