Using Scripts to Manage Word's General Options

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Sample VBScript scripts that demonstrate how you can both retrieve and configure the Microsoft Word 2003 General options.

Mapping the Dialog Box to the Word Object Model

The options referenced in the following scripts correspond to the options found on the General tab of the Options dialog box. To access these options in Microsoft Word 2003, click Tools, click Options, and then click the General tab. A mapping between the options available in this dialog box and the Microsoft Word object model is shown below.

General

The scripts shown on this page were tested using Microsoft Word 2003. At least some of the functionality is likely to work on any version of Microsoft Word that supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA); however, the scripts have not been tested using any of these other versions.

Sample Code for Retrieving Values

Sample script that retrieves the configuration information found on the General tab of the Options dialog box in Microsoft Word 2003.

On Error Resume Next

Set objWord = CreateObject("Word.Application")
Set objOptions = objWord.Options

Wscript.Echo "Pagination: " & objOptions.Pagination
Wscript.Echo "Blue background, white text: " & _
    objOptions.BlueScreen
Wscript.Echo "Provide feedback with sound: " & _
    objOptions.EnableSound
Wscript.Echo "Mail as attachment: " & _
     objOptions.SendMailAttach
Wscript.Echo "Help for WordPerfect users: " & _
    objOptions.WPHelp
Wscript.Echo "Allow background open of Web pages: " & _
    objOptions.BackgroundOpen
Wscript.Echo "Measurement units: " & _
    objOptions.MeasurementUnit
Wscript.Echo "Allow starting in Reading Layout: " & _
    objOptions.AllowReadingMode
Wscript.Echo "Provide feedback with animation: " & _
    objOptions.AnimateScreenMovements
Wscript.Echo "Confirm conversion at open: " & _
    objOptions.ConfirmConversions
Wscript.Echo "Update auotmatic links at open: " & _
    objOptions.UpdateLinksAtOpen
Wscript.Echo "Navigation keys for WordPerfect users: " & _
    objOptions.WPDocNavKeys
Wscript.Echo "Automatically create new drawing canvas when inserting " & _
    "AutoShapes: " & objOptions.AutoCreateNewDrawings
Wscript.Echo "Show pixels for HTML features: " & _
    objOptions.AllowPixelUnits
Wscript.Echo "Recently used file list: " & _
    objWord.DisplayRecentFiles
Set objFiles = objWord.RecentFiles
Wscript.Echo "Files in recently used file list: " & _
    objFiles.Maximum
objWord.Quit

Sample Code for Modifying Values

Sample script that sets the Blue background, white text option in Microsoft Word to FALSE.

On Error Resume Next

Set objWord = CreateObject("Word.Application")
Set objOptions = objWord.Options
objOptions.BlueScreen = FALSE

objWord.Quit

The sample scripts are not supported under any Microsoft standard support program or service. The sample scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. Microsoft further disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the sample scripts and documentation remains with you. In no event shall Microsoft, its authors, or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the sample scripts or documentation, even if Microsoft has been advised of the possibility of such damages.