If we're talking about just two columns and you have Word 2000 or above, use
"2 pages per sheet" in the Page Setup dialog instead of using columns, and
then you can insert page numbers as usual. For previous versions, see
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Formatting/Print2Pages.htm

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Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://word.mvps.org
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> Anybody have an idea on how to insert automaticepage numbers in footers of
> columns, sort of book style, without having to do each page number manually?