Share this article
Improve this guide
Bookmark Not Defined Error on Microsoft Word [Fix]
Try these easy workarounds to resolve the error
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
In a Microsoft Word document, bookmarks are a type of hyperlink that refer to some specific text locations and sections which can be accessed easily by using the hyperlink.
Bookmarks indeed serve a useful purpose, but many Windows users often encounter several error messages likeError! Bookmark not definedin the Word document using an automated table of contents.
If you are also facing the same problem, try the solutions listed in this guide to get around the issue.
Why do I get the Bookmark not defined error in MS Word?
Based on the research we conducted, these are the most common reasons why the bookmark not defined error shows up in MS Word.
Now that you have a fair idea of why the bookmark not defined error shows up in your Windows file, let’s take a look at the different solutions to fix the Bookmark not defined error.
How do I fix the Bookmark not defined error in Word?
1. Enable the Show Bookmarks option
Having performed these steps, let’s proceed to the solutions listed below.
2. Use the Undo shortcut
This is more of a simple workaround to quickly revert the changes in the automated Table of Contents (ToC) containing a broken bookmark link.
If the bookmark not defined error shows up right after the TOC is generated, use theCtrl+Zshortcut combination to go back to the original text. However, you should be aware that you can only circumvent the error only if you haven’t saved the document after TOC generation.
3. Replace the missing bookmarks
Now that you have created a new bookmark entry to override the old broken or corrupt ones, the bookmark not defined error should now be resolved.
Note:The Bookmark with the PAGEREF/HYPERLINK Bookmark Name format means that the bookmark was inserted manually. Likewise, the format PAGEREF/HYPERLINK Ref364868613 indicates a hidden bookmark by a cross-reference dialog process.
4. Force Update the Table of Contents
If the bookmark not defined error persists even after replacing the broken bookmark links, you need to forcefully update the table of contents to replace the cached instance. To force update the table of contents, you need to use theF9key.
Using this shortcut key is the alternate way of right-clicking the table of content entries and choosing the Update Field option.
5. Convert the table of contents to static text
Converting the table of contents to the static text format should fix the bookmark not defined error message if it occurred due to the broken links in the document.
That’s all about it! We hope you were able to fix the bookmark not defined entries in the table of contents section of the Word document.
While you are here, you might also want to fix themargins if they are not workingin your Microsoft Word document.
Which of the methods listed in the article worked in your case? Do let us know in the comments.
More about the topics:Microsoft Office,Microsoft Word,Microsoft Word issues
Taiba Hasan
A postgraduate in Computer Applications, she is an avid technical writer who loves to craft content revolving around Windows, Android, and emerging technologies like SaaS. With How-To and troubleshooting guides, she aims to provide the best solutions for the problem and make technology less complicated for novice users.
Besides writing, she also loves to cook delicacies and spent time in her garden. In her free time, you will find her binge-watching web series or gazing the night sky.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Taiba Hasan
