preventing task pane from opening automatically in microsft word 2003

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campus56 - 30 Mar 2008 22:21 GMT

i tried, unsuccessfully, the two methods specified in microsoft's
knowledge base article on this subject [using "tools," or editing the
registry. neither did the trick.

i downloaded this program from usenet. it's called "task pane
controller."

[http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/ShowTaskPane.htma]

it didn't work, either. the task pane kept showing up.

but it did add it's name at the bottom of "tools" in word, just below
"options." as a result, "options" is grayed out. i deleted the file
folder for this program [it didn't show in "add/remove programs], but
the program still shows up under tools.

it was stupid of me to try this, rather than leave it alone. it's not
that big an annoyance.

i'm hoping that a group member will take pity on me and my impatience
and help me get back my options under "tools."

thanks very much

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Beth Melton - 30 Mar 2008 23:14 GMT

The Task Pane Controller doesn't prevent it from displaying completely but
it can be used to prevent it from showing when Word starts and make sure it
will close after using it ti open or create a document.

With that in mind, are you saying that after selecting both options, "Show
task pane at Startup" and "Hide task pane after opening or creating a
document" that it continues to display when Word starts?

I'm not sure why the Options command isn't enabled, the Task Pane Controller
only adds a menu item, it doesn't alter the state of menus, but to remove it
either search for TaskPaneController.dot or locate it in Word\STARTUP and
either delete it or move it out of the folder.

To locate your Word\Startup folder, copy/paste the following in the Address
bar of an Exploring window (such as My Computer) and press Enter:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP

If after removing the add-in your Options command is still disabled post
back and let us know. Actually, please let me know either way. I developed
the Task Pane Controller and if it's 'misbehaving' I'd like to know. :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton

What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

>i tried, unsuccessfully, the two methods specified in microsoft's
> knowledge base article on this subject [using "tools," or editing the
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> thanks very much

Reply to this Message

campus56 - 31 Mar 2008 02:20 GMT

beth, your solution, "search for TaskPaneController.dot or locate it
in Word\STARTUP and either delete it or move it out of the folder"
worked just fine. when i restarted word, the "options" command,
including "tools," functioned as intended.

when i first set up the task pane controller program, i had selected
"hide task pane;" and when i opened a new document in Word, the task
pane displayed itself.

i think that my understanding of the program is flawed. i had thought
it would keep the task pane in Word from ever displaying unless i
wanted it. apparently, that's incorrect.

now, when i open word, a blank document is displayed; when i click on
the icon for "new," the task pane displays and queries the user on
what kind of document.

let me know if i have it right. i'm grateful that you stand behind the
program you developed.

thanks,

ken

> The Task Pane Controller doesn't prevent it from displaying completely but
> it can be used to prevent it from showing when Word starts and make sure it
[quoted text clipped - 49 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Reply to this Message

Beth Melton - 31 Mar 2008 03:42 GMT

Hmmmm....I dislike the fact that removing the template resolved your Options
issue, that doesn't make sense -- I'll need to look into this more. Thanks
for the update.

Regarding completely ridding yourself of the task pane, you're correct.
Unfortunately that's not possible. It will help hide it unless you request
it and clicking "File/New" will cause it to display. Now, if you are
clicking New on the toolbar then you should simply get a new document, no
questions asked. If you're seeing the task pane when you click New on the
toolbar then let us know and we can help you resolve the issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton

What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

beth, your solution, "search for TaskPaneController.dot or locate it
in Word\STARTUP and either delete it or move it out of the folder"
worked just fine. when i restarted word, the "options" command,
including "tools," functioned as intended.

when i first set up the task pane controller program, i had selected
"hide task pane;" and when i opened a new document in Word, the task
pane displayed itself.

i think that my understanding of the program is flawed. i had thought
it would keep the task pane in Word from ever displaying unless i
wanted it. apparently, that's incorrect.

now, when i open word, a blank document is displayed; when i click on
the icon for "new," the task pane displays and queries the user on
what kind of document.

let me know if i have it right. i'm grateful that you stand behind the
program you developed.

thanks,

ken

On Mar 30, 6:14 pm, "Beth Melton" <bmel...@mvps.org> wrote:

> The Task Pane Controller doesn't prevent it from displaying completely but
> it can be used to prevent it from showing when Word starts and make sure
[quoted text clipped - 51 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -

Reply to this Message