Page Number Errors & the NUMPAGES Field

In certain circumstances, versions of Microsoft Word released prior to 2000 will show incorrect page numbers when the AutoText entry Page x of y is used. Since many users chose to insert this information in headers or footers, it can be difficult to track down the cause of the problem – some users might (incorrectly, but understandably) think they specified the wrong header/footer options, particularly if they’ve elected to use different headers/footers for specific pages. The problem most likely lies with NUMPAGES field; quite simply, it needs to be updated to show the correct number of pages. Further, it may need updating whenever more pages are added to the document or when the document is closed and then reopened.

You can update the NUMPAGES field by forcing Word to recount the pages in any of the following ways:

• Switch document views from the View menu. It doesn’t matter which view you choose and you can switch back immediately.



• Click Print Preview from the Standard Toolbar. Again, you can close Print Preview immediately and return to your document.



• Print your document. Word will recount the pages and send the correct number to the printer.

You may need to do this every time you add a new page to the document or when you close and reopen the file.