I have checked the auto-format as you type window to make sure that automatic bulleted lists is checked, so is Set left- and first-indent with tabs and backspaces. Using Windows 7 Enterprise and Office 2010.  Users Shift+tab key will not change the numbering level.
Thanks in advance.

In Word 2007, go to "Office" button => "Word Options" button => "Proofing" tab => "AutoCorrect Options..." button. Click the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab and check the box for "Set left and first-indent with tabs and backspaces".

James,

Unless I misunderstood your post, once you have your numbering started like below when you want to change the numbering you only use tab to move in and shift tab to move out.

Try this open a new doc. type 1.<space> you will get the auto correct bolt to appear;


You can then use the drop down to go to control autoformat properties. this is for W2010 what you are using.
Here you can check your settings.

and again unless I missunderstood you simply tab in and Shift+tab out.
the short cut key for your numbering is ALT+H,N
HTH Don

Yes, I have done all the steps mentioned in the responses...and that is the problem, pressing shift plus tab on a fourth level bullet SHOULD raise it to level three...but instead, it moves to level five as if the shift key is being ignored.  I have tried multiple keyboards so I know it isn't the keyboard.  Thanks for the help...but I am still stumped.

James I am not sure why this is happening.

I cant seem to find any information as to why it will tab in 4 times but not back out at that point.  does it work to 1,2,3 just not 4.  what style are you using arrows or numbering.  have you looked here to see if you have a setting that you dont want.





Did you create this file or someone else adn you are making changes.  can you cut&paste the information to a new doc. and see if it still happens.  or perhaps take it to a different machine, try to see if it is the document formatting or the word formatting.

Don

Thanks for the help Don.  The problem is not document specific, I can create a new document, add a multi-level numbered listing like this:

1.           Section 1 

On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document..

        (a)         Section 2

                You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look
                 for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab.

                  (i)           Level 3 

                          You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. 
                          Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using 
                          a format that you specify directly.

Attempting to change the level for section 2 or level 3 using Shift+Tab simply causes Word to add a sub-level, two becomes three, three becomes four, etc.   Again, we have tried different keyboards, new docs, old docs and checked the settings under auto-format as you type.  Could there be another machine specific setting or registry setting that causes Shift+tab to behave as a tab only key?

James,

I have looked and looked and I cant seem to find out why it is not working on your end.
Here is a word doc. for you that I typed see if it works in this doc for you.

Don James.zip