I can't type in a cell after cell merge in MS Word

Anonymous
2017-09-07T06:12:50+00:00

Hello,

I am working on a table in MS Word and trying to merge and change the cell direction to vertical on the very first column on the left of a table.  But when I merge 3 cells, I can no longer type text in that merged cell.

I was able to do this before and saved this document as such.  But now that I want to go back and edit the table, the text that was in that first merged column is gone and I can no longer type anything in it.  

Also, after I click the merge option, the little + symbol at the top left corner of my table disappears.  I have never had this happen to me before while using the tables feature

I tried restarting my computer but it is still doing this.

HELP!

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Anonymous
2017-09-17T21:23:17+00:00

Hello Melanie,

Microsoft is aware of the ongoing issue with the merged table cells not working correctly in Word 2016. As of September 11, a workaround was released and a resolution is tentatively scheduled for October 3. As a workaround, you can uninstall both the latest update for Word 2016: KB3213656 and KB4011039. Your merged table cells should return to normal after removing both KBs. For more information about this known issue, you can refer to this article. Follow the steps below on how to uninstall an update on Windows 10:

  1. Close Word 2016.
  2. Select the Start button.
  3. Go to Settings > Update & security > Update history > Uninstall updates.
  4. Look for KB3213656 and KB4011039.
  5. Select the updates and then click Uninstall.
  6. Click Yes or enter the administrator password to proceed with the removal process.
  7. Wait for the process to complete.

We're just here if you need further assistance.

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  1. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 323.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-11-21T00:17:15+00:00

    A fix for that issue was released several builds ago.

    If you send me a copy of a document that exhibits the problem, referencing this thread in the covering email message, I will investigate the issue.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-20T21:20:00+00:00

    I have the identical problem. A user recently sent out a template to be used by the company. It is overly complex with merged cells inside tables. While some people are not experiencing an issue, some are. I am one of those. While I can edit 75% of the document, I cannot edit three of the merged cells embedded in tables sections. I can't even cut and paste, or highlight them. If I try to type there, nothing happens. If I unmerge the document I can edit it, which is no use to me as I have to use the template with the original formatting. So how can I get around this?

    I am using Microsoft Office 365, Word version 1710 build 8625.2127

    Thanks

    EP

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