Tech Tips

Overtype and Insert

Question: When I type words in the middle of a sentence, the words in front are being erased. Why did this start happening?

Answer: When you are entering text in a Microsoft Windows program, there are two ways that text can behave: Insert and Overtype. With Insert mode, any text that is ahead of the insertion point (the blinking line that indicates where letters will appear when you type) will be pushed forward a space for each letter you type. With Overtype mode, any text that is ahead of the insertion point will be erased one letter at a time for every letter you type.

Most computers, are set to Insert mode by default - and, most of the time, it is the more useful setting. Sometimes, however, you may find that Overtype has accidentally been turned on and not know how t turn it off - or, you could simply want to switch between modes. To do this, press the insert key - if Overtype mode is on, your computer will switch to Insert mode, and vice-versa.

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