Section numbers missing from word doc's

[thecomputerguy]

Client informed me that section numbers were missing from multiple Word Docs. I grabbed the file and the section numbers showed up properly on my own computer. Per the images below image 1 shows no section numbers on the clients computer. Image 2 shows section numbers on my computer.

- When printing, the section numbers do not show.
- He can reproduce the issue on other computers at the office.
- I cannot reproduce the issue as the exact same file shows section numbers on my own computer (DOUBLE CONFIRMED)
- He had his client re-send the file again and the same file re-saved showed section numbers (intermittency)

It seems like a viewing error in Word but I'm not sure where to look or how to search for it.

I have tried:

Quick Repair
Online Repair
Uninstall/Reinstall
Re saved file to new location
Copy/Paste content (No Result)

 

[HCHTech]

This has to be a corruption in the numbering system. Do you have a backup? Quick searching says you can:

Common Fixes for Missing Section Numbers
1. Check Multilevel List Settings (Most Common)

• Select the text where numbering is missing.
• On the Home tab, click the Multilevel List button (looks like stacked dots and numbers).
• Choose a style that includes "Heading" or "Section" (e.g., 1, 1.1, 1.1.1).
• If numbers are incorrect, click Define New Multilevel List, select the level (e.g., Level 2), click More, and ensure "Restart list after" is set correctly or linked to the previous level.

2. Resetting Numbering in a Section

• Right-click the first number that's wrong in a new section.
• Choose Numbering > Set Numbering Value.
• Select Start new list and set the value (e.g., to 1 for a new chapter/section).

3. Fixing Header/Footer Numbering (If numbers are in page headers)

• Double-click the header/footer to edit.
• Select the page number field.
• Go to Page Number > Format Page Numbers.
• Select Continue from previous section to link it, or Start at to reset.

4. Clear Formatting

• Select the problematic paragraph(s).
• Press Ctrl+Spacebar to clear direct formatting and revert to the style.

5. Check for Hidden Issues

• Ensure you haven't accidentally deleted a section break or changed the "Same as Previous" setting in headers/footers, which disconnects numbering.

But I think a restore from backup would be easier.