Formating Word 2003 documents - help needed!

Ok so I am starting to consider the massive task that will be the compiling of my PhD thesis in a few months time. The way that I have constructed my thesis thus far is to have separate word docs for each chapter, further split into a 'text' chapter and a 'figures and tables' chapter. This is so that I don't work on one massive doc all the time.

My problem is formatting the headings!! As this process has happened over a long period of time, none of the formatting in my docs is the same. Yes it would have been smart to create a template and use that the whole time, but I didn't.

So I really just want to be able to set it up, for example, like:

1. Literature Review

1.1 Heading 1

1.1.1 Heading 2

1.1.1.1 Heading 3

etc - IYKWIM.

But I can't get f**king word 2003 to do what I want it to!! :(

This whole styles/formatting thing is an absolute nightmare.

So I think I'm going to wait until all the chapters are done and i combine it into one big document - but I need to know that I'm going to be able to format it properly when the time comes!!

So - anyone out there in BB land that knows of a handy website, source etc I would be eternally grateful :pray: I've tried googling but it hasn't helped me much. I also tried a session with a couple of girlfriends who said they were clued in on word - and we couldn't work it out either!! My last option will be to PAY someone to do it for me, which I don't really have the $ to do but might have to for my sanity...

Hi
I totally understand how that is, Word can be difficult at the best of times!! I use word at work, so if you like, I can take a look at it tomorrow for you whilst I am there. I would offer to do it at home for you, but we have Vista and only Word 2007, which will open Word 2003 but makes it harder to format, if that makes sense. However, at work I run Word 2003, and am currently the "Word" expert at work and I'm making up my own templates, so I may be able to assist. MAY being the operative word! haha!!
But you are welcome to PM me for my work email address and I'd be more than happy to assist you if you tell me pretty specifically what you need done. :D

What uni are you at? Are there people through the uni library or post grad department that can assist?

I am at Melb Uni and have recently done a course on Endnote, and was quite amazed to see what assistance is available, using on-line, telephone helpdesks, or in person courses or one on one assistance.

Hope you get it sorted. I hate when the programs try to think too much, and won't let you do something really simple.

Take care,

Kate