Depending on your configuration, Microsoft Word 2003 may convert typed fractions into special characters. While these converted fraction characters may look more pleasing to the eye, they do provide a couple of problems:1) Copying and pasting your document into another piece of software, or pasting the document into a web page, may turn the fractions into unreadable characters, especially for those using operating systems other than Windows.
2) If you later need to search your document for a fraction, such as 1/2, you may find it difficult to find. As Word has converted the fraction into a special character you must search for the specific fraction character and not the text 1/2.
To disable this feature:
1. Select "Tools" - "AutoCorrect Options".
2. When the multi-tabbed "AutoCorrect" dialog box appears, click the "AutoFormat" tab.
3. Uncheck "Fractions (1/2) with fraction characters".
4. Click the "AutoFormat As You Type" tab.5. Uncheck "Fractions (1/2) with fraction characters".
6. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.