Microsoft Word 2010 Backspace Doesn't Change List Level

Pressing Enter repeatedly in a multilevel list "outdents" the list one level at a time; this is new behavior in Word 2007 (or possibly in Word 2010) and later.

You should try a different keyboard to ensure that the Delete key isn't damaged.

In the meantime, you can use Alt+Shift+Left arrow for demoting, and Alt+Shift+Right arrow for promoting, list levels.

Thanks. The delete key is indeed not damaged but the problem I am experiencing is not with the delete function - it is with the backspace key.

Is there any way to make "outdents" from the backspace key? This is what I had been using (even earlier today I had that and just now it switched to the enter key)

Doug Robbins, one would think your suggestion would resolve the problem, but it doesn't.  I went to that exact screen and the box was already checked.  And yet, it is still the enter key, and not the back space key, that manipulates the list level backward.  We want to know how to specifically ensure that it will be the backspace key to perform this function. 

You are correct - that did not work.

I did however, resolve this:

Add or remove programs & then select repair for microsoft office. it will take a couple minutes and restart and it should work fine. That's what I did and it's been working again (such a relief!)

Stefan, I am having the same problem as the original poster.  What I don't understand is how you can possibly write an answer to his question without answering his question at all.  He asked why the enter key suddenly replaced the function of the backspace key for manipulating the list level in a word document, and he wants to know how to reset it to the backspace key.  His backspace key works just fine.  So does all his other keys.  There is nothing wrong with his keyboard.  The problem is with Microsoft Word changing its keyboard function and having no easy or clear way to assign keyboard function.  Please answer the question properly or admit you do not understand how to fix the problem. 

When I reply to a question I obviously make use of my own experience. The behavior I described is what I see on my system. If it doesn't work for someone else, I have to suggest possible causes.

Since the original poster has now returned to the thread saying that repairing Office fixed the problem, all is well.

JC447, thank you so much for posting this response. I was having the same problems as you, with the tab-backspace function randomly giving out on me, when I was using it literally all day to type out an outline. Then all of a sudden, function gone.. it would just delete the new row's bullet instead of indenting it backward. 

Going to Add or remove programs & repairing microsoft office does the trick every time to fix the issue, but it just keeps happening over and over. (maybe once every 3 days) where I have to go back and hit repair again.

This is really starting to become a hassle because every time I do that, it wipes all of my printer settings, etc. that I have to go back and re-tweak each time. 

If anyone can shed some light or insight I would really appreciate it. 

Did you create a multilevel list? Is the option mentioned earlier in this thread ("Set left and first indent with tabs and backspaces" in the AutoCorrect dialog box) selected?

Also, note that Tab and Shift+Tab can't be used for the first level of a multilevel list.