Word Indexing using a Master Doc and having non-sequential pagination

[Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>]

Kate Salm wondered: <<I have a 700+ page document, with each section 
saved as seperate word .docs, with non-sequential page numbering- page 
numbers go Chapter-page number of section, chapter three, page 45 is 
III-45 while page 45 of chapter 2 is II-45... I get the task of 
indexing this document.  I have no other option than using Microsoft 
Word...>>

Word isn't particularly problematic at indexing. It's not optimized for 
the task, but does a decent job if you're patient. If you keep a file 
open containing an alphabetical list of keywords, that can help with 
consistency. (Haven't used recent versions, so I can't tell you whether 
they allow you to pick from existing keywords or whethre you have to 
enter each keyword manually.)

Useful trick: If you set the preferences to display field codes, you 
can see and search for the keywords. When you proofread your index and 
find an error (e.g., prnting instead of printing), you can search for 
that typo and manually correct it.

<<I am going to set up the concordance file and a Master document 
outline to create the index.>>

First off, a concordance is not an index... it's a list of words. 
Indexes must present context, not just the word itself, otherwise 
they're useless... or at least no better than the search function. 
Second, NEVER use master documents. They're a recipe for disaster. 
Instead, create a separate file for the Table of Contents and another 
one for the Index. Then check the online help for how to include 
headings and indexes from multiple files; you'll need "reference 
document" (RD) fields to do this.

<<what type of problems did you run into with having non-sequential 
page numbers?>>

Haven't done this, but neither have I heard any problems with the page 
numbering.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Geoff Hart   ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)
www.geoff-hart.com
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