Microsoft Word's Random Number

Microsoft Word tracks paragraphs and formats with a unique identifying number called the Random Number.  This random number is needed for more accurate merging and comparison between documents. The random number Word generates is, theoretically, unique to the user's machine and possiblly could be traced back to a machine and user. Not much is written on the technical aspects of Word's random number, yet Microsoft provides a way to remove it.

If you are not going to compare or merge a particular document, then make sure that the Store random number to improve merge accuracy check box is NOT selected on the Security tab of the Options dialog box (see Figure 1).

To Remove the Random Number

1. On the Tools menu, click Options
2. Click the Security tab.
3. Clear the Store random number to improve merge accuracy check box.

Figure 1 Options Security Tab - Store random number

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