WordStar Emulator FAQ
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WordStar Command Emulator
for Word 97, 2000 & XP (2002) FAQ
This page gives detailed information about the WordStar Command Emulator for Microsoft Word 97 - XP. The information given on the Introduction page is drawn from here. This FAQ should answer all your questions about the program, where to get it, how to use it, and how to register the trial version. There are many links to other useful utilities here too. However, if after reading through this FAQ, you still have any questions, or if you find any errors or broken links please post a question on the WordStar Emulator Support Forum.
For general WordStar support or discussion visit the WordStar Resource Site's Message Board.
Obtaining the WordStar Command Emulator
Where can I get the WordStar Command Emulator?
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| Evaluation Version | Full Version |
| Given 4 Stars by ZDNet | Buy the WordStar Command Emulator Now! |
| Evaluation Version Also Available From... | |
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| Simtel.net | Download.com |
The Full Version can be obtained by selecting the BUY NOW icon above.
The Evaluation Version can be downloaded from many places, including: [This Site] | [ZDNet] | [Simtel.Net] | [Download.com] | [CompuServe] | [GuiaSoft (en Espaņol)] The download file size is approximately 460Kb.
Note: Some download sites have renamed the downloadable file. This doesn't affect the installation instructions once the zipped achive has been unzipped.
How do I register the WordStar Command Emulator?
The WordStar Command Emulator registration can be purchased on-line or by fax. This will give you access to a download link from where you can download the latest version:
To purchase on-line click the button above, or click here, to go to the on-line store. Please note that to protect against fraud the on-line store cannot process orders from Web-based email addresses such as hotmail.
To purchase by fax you will need the fax order form. Print out the form, complete the details, and then fax it to a number in your country, or the country nearest to you (fax numbers are provided for a number of different countries). Note that ordering by fax incurs an additional US $3 handling charge.
| Description |
Price |
| Single user licence | $34.99 |
| 5-user licence | $149.99 |
| 10-user licence | $279.99 |
| Fax handling fee | $3.00 |
| Email (download) delivery | free |
| Postal (on floppy) delivery | $10.00 |
If you have any problems or queries email me
Basic Questions
Who should use this add-in?
If you are experienced with WordStar, are a touch typist, or just want a more efficient way of entering text into your word processor, but you're stuck with Word because 'everyone else uses it', then this add-in is for you. If you're loathe to remember keyboard shortcuts within Windows and only want to mouse around the screen then WordStar isn't for you.
Is the add-in hard to use?
No, it's very simple. Just copy the add-in into your Word\StartUp folder and it will be available the next time you start Word. Full installation details.
Can it be uninstalled?
Yes, very easily. You can either deselect it from the Word Tools > Templates and Add Ins... dialog, or just delete it from your Word\StartUp folder. Full uninstal instructions.
Will there be updates?
Yes, the feature set is still being expanded. There will be a limit to how much can be added, or is desirable. When this stage is reached that will be it - unless bugs are reported that I can fix. If Word changes I will consider adapting the add-in to match, if there is enough demand. A list of updates so far is available.
What can the add-in actually do?
There is a full list of the supported WordStar commands here.
What can't the add-in do?
The WordStar Emulator emulates all the commands in this list.
The Emulator, emulates WordStar keyboard commands, it is not a file conversion program. For that function see the WordStar File Conversion FAQ.
There are a few command emulation, and look-and-feel, issues that are proving difficult to resolve due to the way that Windows works, such as keeping a block of text highlighted whilst you move around the document. This is not a Windows way of working and so there is no inbuilt support for such actions (except when using dialog boxes). If there is a particular feature that's not in the add-in that you'd like, let me know and I'll see what can be done.
Will the add-in Convert My WordStar Files?
No, the Emulator, emulates WordStar keyboard commands, it is not a file conversion program. For that function see the WordStar File Conversion FAQ.
Can I still use Word's shortcuts?
Yes, as long as they don't clash with WordStar's keystroke set, the original Word keyboard shortcuts still exist. No features have been removed.
Will the add-in work with Word 2000 or XP?
Yes, the add-in is fully compatible with all VisualBasic for Applications versions of Word.
Will the add-in work with Word 2, 6, or 95?
No, unfortunately not.
However, there is a replacement Normal.dot template created by Ken Muldrew that is available for download from this site, or using ftp from here. This program should work with all versions of Word for Windows. It has the basic navigation diamond plus its 'quick' accelerators. It also has the WordStar delete functions and psudo WordStar block commands, psudo since they work in a Windows, rather than WordStar way.
There is also a better known replacement for Word's Normal.dot produced by science fiction writer Rob Sawyer. This can be found in CompuServe's Vintage Applications Forum's File Archive. It is in general circulation, so if you don't have CompuServe access you may be able to find it elsewhere. Unfortunately, Rob hasn't consented to a link being made available on this site.
Will the add-in work with Mac versions of Word?
Unfortunately not.
Where can I get more information about the add-in?
Read the main FAQ items for most information. You can also post questions, not answered here, on the WordStar Emulator's Support Forum, but please read this FAQ page first.
For general WordStar questions, not directly related to the emulator, visit the WordStar Resource Site's Message Boards.
Where can I get help about WordStar?
You can post your general questions about WordStar on the WordStar Resource Site's Message Board.
For questions specifically related to the WordStar Emulator, please read this FAQ page first. If you still have questions, or want to make comments or suggestions, you can visit the WordStar Emulator Support Forum, but please read this FAQ first.
You can also join the WordStar resource Site Yahoo Groups mail list by filling in your email address below, and clicking the Yahoo Groups Join Now button.
What does it cost?
The add-in is Shareware and has a registration fee of US $34.99 per user. The registration will entitle you to free minor upgrades, and support. Major upgrades may require further registration.
See the full pricing and ordering details.
Is the unregistered add-in limited in any way?
The unregistered add-in is a fully functioning program that offers the basic WordStar navigation keystroke set (the WordStar Diamond) plus its ^Q accelerators and some menu customisations. The keystroke set is limited to just over 20 functions, plus seven ALT Key combinations that aren't part of WordStar's command set. The evaluation version does not entitle you to any support. The evaluation version will also remind you that it isn't registered after you change the document you're working on and use any of the ^Q accelerators keys. Should you wish to continue using it after 60 days you MUST purchase the registered version.
The registered version includes over 100 of the most commonly used WordStar commands, plus a few extra ALT Key combinations and more complete WordStar 7d style pull-down menus. The registered version also entitles you to support and free minor upgrades. A comparison list of the commands provided in each version can be found here.
Both versions are Shareware and you are bound by the licence included with the program.
Installation & Control Topics
How do I install the WordStar Command Emulator?
Unzip the downloaded file into a new folder. Read all of the text (*.txt) files to familiarise yourself with the program, and then...
Simply copy the WordStar.dot file into your Office\Startup folder.
For Office 97 this will normally be under:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office nn\Office\STARTUP (where nn is the version number)
For Office 2000:
C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP
For Windows 2000 you may find it under:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP
Note: The above path should be all on a single line with a space between Application and Data.
Where username is your login name with any spaces removed.
If you've used different directories (folders) you'll need to modify the path to suit. These can be found by starting Word and selecting Tools > Options... Then select the File Locations tab and look for the path listed against "Startup". If part of the path is represented by elipsis (...), click the Modify button to display the full path. Click Close, then Close again. Note that once the WordStar Command Emulator is in use the Tools menu is called Utilities.
The next time you start Word it will use the WordStar Command Emulator.
How do I uninstall the WordStar Command Emulator?
Remove the WordStar.dot file from your Office\Startup folder.
For Office 97 this will normally be under:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office nn\Office\STARTUP (where nn is the version number)
For Office 2000:
C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP
For Windows 2000 you may find it under:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP
Note: The above path should be all on a single line with a space between Application and Data.
Where username is your login name with any spaces removed.
If you've used different directories (folders) you'll need to modify the path to suit. These can be found by starting Word and selecting Utilities > Options... (Tools > Options... if the add-in has been turned off). Then select the File Locations tab and look for the path listed against "Startup". If part of the path is represented by elipsis (...), click the Modify button to display the full path. Click Close, then Close again. Note that once the WordStar Command Emulator is in use the Tools menu is called Utilities.
Then delete the remainder of the installation file set from the folder you unzipped them into.
How can I temporarily turn on/off the WordStar Command Emulator's functions?
Under Utilities (if the add-in is running) or Tools (if it is not) menu, select Templates and Add-Ins... (un)check the box next to WordStar.dot and then click OK.
I need to do this frequently. Is there an easier way?
Why isn't ON/OFF functionality included in program?
How can I switch the WordStar Command Emulator's functions on & off to suit different users of the same PC?
If you only do this occasionally you can use the method described in How can I temporarily turn on/off the WordStar Command Emulator's functions?.
However, if you need to do this frequently you can add another add-in that gives you a WordStar Command Emulator ON and OFF toolbar with buttons you can click to switch the WordStar Command Emulator's functions on & off.
The instructions below give two ways to achieve this. The first is a downloadable add-in program that you can install alongside the WordStar Command Emulator. The second is to enter the code for this small utility yourself.
Why isn't the WordStar Command Emulator ON/OFF functionality included in program itself?
Download the WordStarOnOff.dot utility (approx 28Kb). Then copy this file into your startup directory and you should get a small toolbar with two buttons - one turns the WordStar Command Emulator on, and the other turns it off.
Note: There is no error checking in this program so if the WordStar Command Emulator isn't found you'll get an error. This can occur if you've renamed it, or obtained it from a download source that has renamed it. If you get an error, move the utility out of the Word | STARTUP folder (or you won't be able to access it), then double-click on it to open it and then follow the steps in method 2 to view the code and change the program's name in the two places where it occurs.
The DIY Version - OK, here goes...
- Start Word
- Select Tools(Utilities) | Macros | Visual Basic Editor
You should have a three window view on the Visual Basic Editor: Project-Normal to the top left, Properties-Normal below that, and a larger code area to the right.
- In the Project window, select Normal
- Select Insert Module
- In the Properties windows, select (Name)
- Change the name to WordStar - or anything else you like or you can leave it alone if Module1 is good enough
The larger right-hand windows should now have a form with two dropdown lists at the top, and be titled Normal-WordStar (Code)
- Click in the Code window and paste in, or type, the code below:
Sub WordStarAddInOFF()
'
' Turn the WordStar Add-In OFF
'
AddIns("WStar14.dot").Installed = False
End Sub
Sub WordStarAddInON()
'
' Turn the WordStar Add-In ON
'
AddIns("WStar14.dot").Installed = True
End Sub
Note: Change WStar14.dot in both places above to match the name of your WordStar Command Emulator file in the Office\Startup folder!
- Close the Visual Basic Editor
- Right-Click on the toolbar in Word
- Select Tools(Utilities) | Customize...
- Select the Toolbars tab
- Click New...
- Change the Toolbar name to WordStar Control
- Make sure that the toolbar is available to Normal.dot
You'll now have a small toolbar floating around.
- In the Customize dialog, select the Commands tab
- Select the Macros Category
- Find the Command Normal.WordStar.WordStarAddInOFF
- Click on it and drag it to the new toolbar
- Repeat for the Normal.WordStar.WordStarAddInON command
You now have a working toolbar, although not very pretty. Time to change that!
Either create your own 16 x 16 pixel bitmap button images using Paint, or download ready made button images for WordStar Command Emulator ON, and WordStar Command Emulator OFF. (You may need to right-click and select Save Target As... or Save Link As...)
- Open the bitmap file WSOFF.bmp using Paint
- In Paint (or whichever other bitmap editor you have associated with bmp files), select Edit | Select All
- Select Edit | Copy
- Right-Click on the WordStarAddInOFF button in the new Word toolbar
- Select Paste Button Image
- Right-Click on the WordStarAddInOFF button in the new Word toolbar
- Change the button Name to Turn Off WordStar Commands
- Right-Click on the WordStarAddInOFF button in the new Word toolbar
- Select Default Style
- Repeat for the WSON.bmp file and the WordStarAddInON toolbar button, giving it the name Turn On WordStar Commands
- Close Paint
- In the Customize dialog, make sure Save in is set to Normal.dot
- Click Close
- Drag the new toolbar to the toolbar area of Word's window
- Close Word and if asked whether to save changes to Normal.dot select Yes
- Re-open Word and test the new toolbar
This is all easier to do than to describe!
Why isn't the WordStar Command Emulator ON/OFF functionality included in program itself?
This functionality needs to be in a separate program because if it wasn't, when you turned the Emulator off, the buttons would disappear!
I've accidentally called the add-in Normal.dot and lost my original, what should I do?
Read the installation instructions next time! As long as you hadn't created new styles in your Normal.dot template this situation is recoverable, if you had, they will have been lost. Proceed as follows:
- Copy the WordStar Command Emulator into your Office\Startup folder as you were supposed to do.
- Delete your Templates\Normal.dot file and start Word. Word will recreate a default Normal.dot for you.
You should perhaps consider backing this file up after you change any styles or do any other customisations.
Do I need to uninstall the evaluation version of the WordStar Command Emulator before installing the registered version?
If you have version 1.0, you can copy the registered version over the evaluation version's files, most of which have the same names to make this work. However, to aid version identification, Version 1.1 onwards are distributed with the name WStarxx, where xx equals the version. You have several choices. You can delete the evaluation version, dissable it from the Utilities | Templates and Add-Ins... (Tools | Templates and Add-Ins... if the WordStar Command Emulator isn't running), or, you can rename the later version to WordStar.dot.
How do I 'un-zip' the downloaded program files?
I recommend that you use WinZip, but you can use any archive program that supports the Zip format, including the oroginal DOS program pkzip. You'll find many of these utilities by searching a site like ZDNet, for which, there is a search form on the home page
If you want to use
WinZip, you can get it from www.winzip.com
Word keeps forgetting my registered user details!
If you have entered the "User Name" and "Serial Number" as instructed in the registration details email that is sent out when you buy the full version of the WordStar Command Emulator the program's splash screen says "Thank you for registering". If you exit the program, then reopen it later, and it says "Unregistered" again you are probably not running the program as an Add-In (by installing it in your Word Startup folder as directed, but are running it by double-clicking on its icon from within Explorer, or similar.
This problem is due to Word not being very good at running its initialisation routines in macro programs. You basically have two options: Install it as suggested, in the Word Startup folder (remember you can switch the WordStar Command Emulator off should you not want to use it).
If the suggestion above hasn't worked, check the following information in your Windows Registration database... Open the RegEdit program by:
Clicking Start | Run... Type regedit.exe into the Open edit box, then Click OK. Once RegEdit has opened, Double-Click on the following items to open them (use RegEdit as you would use Windows Explorer to navigate to the right place) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR\1.0\UserInfo. Then check that the entries for Name and SN exist in the left-hand window and that their values are correct in the right-hand window.
If either of the 'keys' are incorrectly named, parhaps called @, which represents the value "default", right-click on the incorrectly named key in the right-hand window and select Rename and type the correct name of either Name or SN.
If either of the 'keys' are missing, make sure the UserInfo key is selected and then right-click in the right-hand window and select New | String Value. You should be able to type the name of the missing key (Name or SN) directly, but if you've deselected it, right-click on the newly created value in the right-hand window and select Rename and type the name of the missing key.
If the key names are correct, but either your name or your serial number are inorrect, Double-Click the entry in the right-hand window and fill in the details supplied with the registration acknowledgement. Close RegEdit and all should be OK.
If you're not confident enough to use RegEdit you can download a registry patch file template that will automate most of this for you. There are different versions for the various versions of Microsoft Windows and you need to make sure you download the correct one (no damage will occur from using the wrong version, but the data won't get imported).
Download the patch file for Windows 9x & NT4 or for Windows 2000 & XP. Save this file to your hard disk, then Right-Click on it and select Edit from the pop-up menu (this will open the file in NotePad). Fill in your user name and serial number at the end of the file - ensuring that these are both enclosed in double-quote marks, examples are given below.
You can also create the file yourself using NotePad or any other text editor - including WordStar used in Non-Document mode! The file needs to be saved with a .reg file extension.
Save the edited file and copy it to your backup floppy just in case you ever need it again. Then, Double-Click the file and when asked if your sure you want to add the information to the registry, Click Yes.
Example registry patch files:
Windows 9x & NT4
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR\1.0]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR\1.0\UserInfo]
"Name"="A User"
"SN"="12345678"
Windows 2000 & XP
Windows Registry Editor Version
5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR\1.0]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Petrie\WordSTAR\1.0\UserInfo]
"Name"="A User"
"SN"="12345678"
How can I swap the positions of the Ctrl & the Caps Lock keys?
There are quite a number of ways of doing this, all of which depend on which operating system you're using. Here are some of the main ones:
CtrlPlus Key Remap Utility
CtrlPlus by Yoji Hagiya will swap the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys in Windows there are versions for Windows 98 and Windows 2000. Both versions are also available from the authors Web site for Windows 98 and for Windows 2000.
CtrlPus is shareware, but is worth its small US$10 registration fee because it not only swaps the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys, it also adds WordStar navigation keys to Word's menus, something that cannot be programmed from within Word and so compliments the WordStar Command Emulator. It will also add basic WordStar navigation commands to all other Windows programs. Do note however, that this may conflict with key combinations used within those programs. Therefore, this feature can be turned on and off should it cause a problem.
Microsoft Key Remap Utility
This is part of the Windows 95 Kernel Toys set. The Remap utility also works with Windows 98, and Windows Me. Use of any of the other utilities in the set is at your own risk. This utility is ideal for swapping the Caps Lock and Left Ctrl keys if you're a WordStar user. The utilities are free.
ZDNet Key Remap Utility
PC Magazine's key remap utility for Windows 95 and 98 adds a property page to Control Panel's Keyboard applet that lets you remap all the standard keys on the keyboard. This free utility was first published in PC Magazine on May 6, 1997.
Microsoft Remapkey for Windows 2000
Unfortunately microsoft hasn't seen fit to release this on their Web site yet, so the only way to get it is to buy the Windows 2000 Resource Kit book/CD combination.
Ctrl2Cap
Ctrl2Cap by Sysinternals changes the function of the Caps Lock key into a Ctrl key in Windows NT4 and 2000, or in Windows 9x/Me. It leaves the original Ctrl key dead unlike most utilities which change that into a Caps Lock. This is probably only a minor problem. This utility is free and included the source code.
To instal Ctrl2Cap in Windows 9x you need to manually add a line saying device=<path>\ctrl2cap.vxd, where <path> is the drive and directory (folder) where you placed the Ctrl2Cap file, to the [386enh] section of the system.ini file, which resides in the Windows folder. If you feel unsure about doing this you can download an instal script written by David Pierce. Instructions for using this are in the download zip file (it doesn't include the actual program).
Windows 2000 & XP Registry Edit
It is possible to swap the Ctrl & Cap Lock keys for all users on Windows 2000 and XP by editing the registry. Before doing this make sure you have a recent backup! Then follow the instructions below:
- Click Start | Run...
- Type regedit
- Press Enter to start the registry editor.
- In Regedit navigate (just as you would in Explorer) to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
Note: There's also a "key" called Keyboard Layouts, you want the one without the 's' at the end.
- With the Keyboard Layout key selected (If there is a sub-key displayed in the right-hand window of Regedit called Scancode Map STOP! You will need to merge the existing settings with the new ones before continuing).
- Right-Click in the right-hand window of Regedit and select New > Binary Value from the pop-up menu.
- Name the new sub-key Scancode Map
- Right-Click the Scancode Map sub-key you just created and select Modify from the pop-up menu.
- Type in the list of letters and numbers below - the '0's are the
number zero, not capital letter 'O's - You don't need to type the commas.
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,3a,00,1d,00,1d,00,3a,00,00,00,00,00 - Exit Regedit
- Reboot the PC to bring the changes into effect.
To restore the default keyboard settings you can either delete the Scancode Map key, or set its value to nothing, i.e., select to modify the key and delete all of the values above.
If you're not brave enough to do the steps above, and you're sure you don't already have any keyboard customisations (by default there aren't any) you can download a registry patch file that will make the changes for you. To use this save the swapkeys.reg file onto your hard disk, and also copy it to your WordStar Command Emulator backup floppy just in case you ever need it again. Then, Double-Click the file and when asked if your sure you want to add the information to the registry, Click Yes.
There is another registry patch file that will return the keyboard to the default non-customised state. Save the defaultkeys.reg file to your hard disk, and also copy it to your WordStar Command Emulator backup floppy just in case you ever need it again. Then, Double-Click the file and when asked if your sure you want to add the information to the registry, Click Yes.
Remapper XP
Remapper XP is a free utility that allows the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys to be swapped on Windows NT, 2000, and XP. It also adds a function to set the Left Alt key or Windows key to behave as an AltGr key, which many keyboards are now missing. The program can be downloaded from this site or from EuroFONT, who produced it.
TradeKeys 2
TradeKeys is a utility from PC Magazine that, although listed as free, requires you to take a subscription to access the file library. This can be for as low as around $5 and may be worth it if you use Windows NT, 2000, or XP and want to swap other than the Ctrl and Caps lock keys; on-line subscription details are displayed when you try to download the program from the PC Magazine Web site:
"TradeKeys 2 lets you map your keyboard almost any way you want. Under Windows 95, 98, and Me, you can change, swap, or disable any of the standard keys (those that existed on the original 84-key keyboard layout). Under Windows 2000 and XP, you can also remap extended keys such as Right Ctrl and Right Alt, the Windows logo key, and the navigation cluster. You can save your mappings to a file for reloading later. This lets different users on a system switch quickly between different mappings."
To find TradeKeys go to the PC Magazine Web site and type TradeKeys into the search box at the top of the pages on the site.
Supported Versions of Word
Will the add-in work with all versions of Word?
No, it only works with Word 97, Word 2000 and Word XP (also called Word 2002) for Windows. See here for a basic emulator for earlier versions of Word for Windows.
Why doesn't the add-in work with Word 2, 6, or 95?
These earlier versions of Word used WordBasic as their macro programming language. Later versions use VisualBasic for Applications. The add-in is written using VBA. See here for a basic command emulator for earlier versions of Word for Windows.
Is there an add-in available for Word 2, 6, or 95?
There is a replacement Normal.dot template created by Ken Muldrew that is available for download from this site, or using ftp from here. This program should work with all versions of Word for Windows. It has the basic navigation diamond plus its 'quick' accelerators. It also has the WordStar delete functions and psudo WordStar block commands, psudo since they work in a Windows, rather than WordStar way.
There is also a better known replacement for Word's Normal.dot produced by science fiction writer Rob Sawyer. This can be found on CompuServe (GO WORDSTAR). It is in general circulation, so if you don't have CompuServe access you may be able to find it elsewhere. Unfortunately, Rob hasn't consented to a link being made available on this site.
For both of these Word templates I would recommend the following: First and foremost - back-up your own Normal.dot BEFORE installing them. Your Normal.dot contains all of your styles, customisations, and auto-text entries. If you overwrite it they WILL be lost! Secondly, rename these templates to something else - WS.dot, for example. Thirdly, either use them by creating a new document and selecting the template from the template selection dialog (instal these templates in your 'other' documents templates folder), or try installing it in the same way as the WordStar Command Emulator.
Will the program work with Word 2003?
Word 2003 uses the same programming language as used in Word 97 to XP (2002). Therefore, the program should work; however, it hasn't been tested with Word 2003 yet (Jan 2004).
Will the program work with Mac Word 98?
It hasn't been tested with Word 98 or 2001 for the Macintosh
Can the WordStar Command Emulator be used with the ninhongo (Japanese) version of Word - or with other asian or arabic specific versions?
No, the WordStar Command Emulator doesn't work with nihongo version of Word (Japanese) and probably won't work with other asian specific, or arabic versions of Word either.
Supported Commands
Which WordStar commands are supported?
The full list is here, and the list for the evaluation version is here. A comparison list is also available here.
Can I use WordStar dot commands?
No, unfortunately not. This may be something for a future additional add-in if there is enough demand.
Can I use WordStar macro commands?
No, unfortunately not. This may be something for a future additional add-in if there is enough demand. You can use Word's macros.
WordStar Command Tutorial
If you are have, or are about to download the WordStar Command Emulator, or you intend to purchase the full version, you do not need to download the tutorial as this is included in the main program download (formatted for A4 paper). The tutorial covers the basic WordStar commands as supprted by the evaluation version of the WordStar Command Emulator Program.
The zipped Word doc format version of the tutorial is also available seperately. There are versions formatted for two paper sizes. A4 is here and Letter is here (approx 400Kb).
Command Details & Differences
Basic Commands (no prefix)
What happened to Align Paragraph (^B), it only moves to the next paragraph?
Currently ^B is only set as a quick way to move to the start of the next paragraph. Format copying is being considered for a future update.
^C and ^R don't maintain cursor vertical position - Why?
^C and ^R don't maintain cursor vertical position because there being no facility in Word to determine the portion of the document in view, or the cursor's position in the view window. The scroll currently tries to emulate WordStar, but doing this within the Page Layout view - where zoom factors, font size, and line spacing all have an affect, rather than just the draft view - where all lines are the same height.
Block Commands (^K)
Why doesn't ^KF run a DOS command?
^KF has been reassigned to toggle the Word display between Full Screen and Normal view. As most Windows users aren't particularly DOS aware this was considered to be a better use of the key assignment.
File operations ^KO (Copy), ^KJ (Delete), ^KE (Rename), don't work, why?
You can copy, move, delete, and rename any file from any of Word's File > Open or Save forms so this seemed unnecessary. Just select File > Open (ALT+F,O) or File > Save As... (^KT), navigate to the file you want to copy, etc., highlight it, and do your changes directly in the Open form (its a bit like a mini Windows Explorer - Right Click for more options), then Cancel the form to close it. Note: ALT+F,O is a substitute File Open command. See here for more details.
Abandon Changes (^KQ) doesn't work, why?
As I can't be sure that you have the Word options set to always create a backup and to not auto-save, I can't guarantee that an Abandon Changes command would do anything (assuming Word had just auto-saved your file and you didn't have backups turned on). The WordStar Command Emulator could force these settings, and remove the menu options so you couldn't change them back once Word had started, but then I would be taking responsibility for your backups. Therefore, to prevent irate users complaining that their original document couldn't be recovered, this hasn't been implemented.
Save Block (^KW) doesn't allow me to append, why?
This is in the process of being added.
Block selections aren't updated when the mouse is used - Why?
Block selections made with a mouse, or by using Windows style SHIFT+ cursor movement, or Word's F8 (lock start position) + cursor movement don't update ^KB and ^KK markers as it would (except F8, etc.) in WordStar 7. This will NOT be possible in Word 97 as Microsoft gives no signals of actions taken in the Word editing area, but may be possible in Word 2000. This will be investigated for future updates.
Where are the <B> and <K> markers?
Currently these aren't shown as they cause problems. If you use ^KH it will show these markers as thick vertical bars. If you want these displayed by default each time you start Word, select the Utilities > Options... menu. Then select the View tab in the Options form. Finally, select Bookmarks and Click OK. (In the standard Word menus this is under Tools > Options...).
Change Case commands don't change the case of a block marked by ^KB and ^KK - why?
Change Case (^K., ^K' and ^K") only apply case change to highlighted block, sentence, or to word in which cursor is positioned. They don't look to ^KB/^KK for block to act upon. This mode of operation is considered to be more use than needing to block mark with ^KB/^KK first.
OnScreen Commands (^O)
File Open (^OK) doesn't open a file but splits the window in two, why?
WordStar can only have either of two views of one document, or two documents at any one time. To implement this correctly Word would have to be limited in the same way (Word can have as many documents as you can fit in memory and any or all of them can have split window views). Therefore File > Open is assigned to the standard Windows menu shortcut of ALT+F,O. Once the window is split, ^OK will move the cursor between the two editing windows just as in WordStar. ^OM will close the split (this is simplified from the WordStar options).
Notes (^ON) is listed in the help screen but doesn't work
^ON is listed on the Onscreen Commands Help screen (^JO) but doesn't work. The command is not listed in the Commands.txt file supplied with the program, and this should be used as the official commands reference list.
The ^ON command may be added later as it combines several of Word's 'note' commands into a single dialog screen - Word does not support three-letter command sequences so ^OND, etc., would not work.
If you want access to the Footnote/Endnote dialog in Word you can add the command ^ON, to open that screen, to either your normal.dot template, or to the WordStar.dot Add-In. Adding it to the latter will mean that other users of your copy of Word that don't use the WordStar Command Emulator won't get confused when ^O no-longer gives the File Open dialog!
To add the command ^ON follow the steps below (described for Word 2000):
Note - if your WordStar Command Emulator Add-In file is not called WordStar.dot you will have to substitute the name that is used below.
Select the Utilities menu
Select Customize...
Click the Keyboard... button
Change the Save changes in option to WordStar.dot
Select the Insert category
Select the InsertFootnote Command
Click in the Type new command box
Type ^ON
Click Assign
Click Close, Close
When you close Word select Yes to Save changes to the WordStar.dot Emulator Add-In file.
^ON will now open the Footnote/Endnote dialog.
Print Commands (^P)
When I type ^PB the text isn't turned into Bold face, why?
In WordStar you need to block mark an area of bold text by typing ^PB at either end of the text. This could have been done, but would have added unnecessary complications and screen updates. The WordStar Command Emulator works in a subtly different way, as follows:
To embolden a single word, place the cursor within the word and type ^PB. You can also use F8 to mark the start of a larger area, navigate to the end, and type ^PB to embolden the whole block. This is a cross between WordStar and Word methods of working. If you change your mind, press ESC to unmark the block.
To toggle bold face on/off as you type, type ^PB then the text you want in bold, then ^PB to continue in normal weight text.
The same applies to ^PY (italic), and ^PS (underscore).
When I type ^PY the text isn't turned into italics, why?
In WordStar you need to block mark an area of italic text by typing ^PY at either end of the text. This could have been done, but would have added unnecessary complications and screen updates. The WordStar Command Emulator works in a subtly different way, as follows:
To italicise a single word, place the cursor within the word and type ^PY. You can also use F8 to mark the start of a larger area, navigate to the end, and type ^PY to italicise the whole block. This is a cross between WordStar and Word methods of working. If you change your mind, press ESC to unmark the block.
To toggle italics on/off as you type, type ^PY then the text you want in italics, then ^PY to continue in normal text.
^PI has also been assigned to do the same as ^PY.
The same applies to ^PB (bold), and ^PS (underscore).
When I type ^PS the text isn't turned into underlined, why?
In WordStar you need to block mark an area of underlined text by typing ^PS at either end of the text. This could have been done, but would have added unnecessary complications and screen updates. The WordStar Command Emulator works in a subtly different way, as follows:
To underline a single word, place the cursor within the word and type ^PS. You can also use F8 to mark the start of a larger area, navigate to the end, and type ^PS to underline the whole block. This is a cross between WordStar and Word methods of working. If you change your mind, press ESC to unmark the block.
To toggle underline on/off as you type, type ^PS then the text you want underlined, then ^PS to continue in normal text.
The same applies to ^PB (bold), and ^PY (italics).
I don't see ^B, ^Y, or ^S markers in my text, why?
These are the bold, italic, and underscore toggle markers in WordStar. As Word works in a graphical environment these effects are shown directly on the screen making the markers redundant.
Quick Commands (^Q)
Spell Word (^QN) doesn't tell me that the word is correctly spelt, why?
If the word is found in the spell check dictionary Word will not report it. Thus if you don't get the option to choose alternatives, the spelling is correct, or at least, matches a word in either the main, or your own personal dictionaries.
^QP doesn't take me back to the last cursor position, why?
Word doesn't provide a facility to track the cursor position. To implement this would need quite a lot of code and the insertion of markers every time you moved the cursor. ^QP will, however, take to to the start position of all navigational jumps except for ^QP itself, although this may be added later. A full description of the commands ^QP returns to is available here.
Where will ^QP take me?
^QP - Go To Last Cursor Position - will jump you back to the cursor position prior to any of the following commands:
^C, ^Q1~0, ^QA, ^QB, ^QC, ^QD, ^QE, ^QF, ^QG, ^QI, ^QK, ^QR, ^QS, ^QV, ^QX, and ^R .
It does not return to these locations:
^QP, ^QY, ^W, ^Y, or ^Z.
Or to these:
^QL, ^QN, ^QR^QL (menu item), spelling checks as they return you to their start position anyway.
Where does ^QV take me?
As in WordStar, if you haven't done a Block something, ^QV goes to the top of the file. Otherwise ^QV will go back to where you ran the last Find, Find/Replace. For Block Copy, or Block Move it will go to where the block start was before you copied or moved it. For a Block Delete it goes to the location where the block start was before being deleted. If you've marked a block but not done anything with it, it goes to the start of the file. Complicated, or what?
Misc Commands
Why don't the WordStar navigation keys work in the menus?
The menus within all Windows programs are handled firstly by Windows itself and cannot, therefore, be controlled from within Word. To add this functionality requires a device driver that intercepts the keyboard commands before Windows does anything with them. CtrlPlus is a utility that provides this function and works alongside the WordStar Command Emulator.
Menu Differences
The Quick Help menus aren't displayed, how do I display them?
Unfortunately Word does not allow for monitoring the keyboad, except for defined hot keys, so there is no easy way to see how long you take to type a character which is what would be needed to display these menus. If this problem can be overcome the menus will become available later, as an upgrade. You can however, display Quick Help style screens by selecting them from the Help menu, or by typing ^J followed by the command for which you want help (e.g., ^JP will display the Print Commands help screen). Word 97 doesn't allow you to keep these screens open whilst working though, they must be closed again before Word will let you continue typing.
The Pull-Down menus have lots of things I didn't have in WordStar, what are they?
Word has many features and rather than make Word into WordStar the WordStar Command Emulator tries to integrate WordStar operation into Word's features. To do this, features supported by Word that aren't directly comparable to those in WordStar have been left on the Word menus. The standard Word shortcut keys are also unaffected except where they clash with those of WordStar (^C for instance). There are illustrations of the new menus here.
My toolbar undo and redo buttons show bookmarks, not undo ^KY, etc., - Why?
Undo and Redo menu and toolbar items don't always detail the action to be un/redone. Some actions are listed as bookmarks - these are WordStar command actions. Word doesn't treat program code blocks as single actions. To overcome this the program uses a number of bookmarks which Word is registering as possible un/redo actions. A future update will control what Word lists in these toolbar buttons.
Using Commands from Word & Windows
Can I still use the Word Shortcut keys?
Yes, except where they clash with WordStar keys that are in the WordStar Command Emulator. ^C for example is changed from Copy to