Word 2016 - Insert new section at start of document w/o page numbers

On page 3 (or wherever you want numbering to start), click where the text starts. Then select 'Page Layout' from the top menu ribbon and select 'Next Page'. Click onto the paragraph mark (to see document markup like section and page breaks). If you scroll up to page 2, you'll note that there's a section break at the bottom of the page.

Go to Insert / Page Numbering / Bottom of Page (choose a format that fits your needs)

You'll note that it starts at 3, but you want it to start at 1.

Page Number / Page Number Format / Where it says Start at, input 1

On the Design menu tab, click onto the Link to Previous, this should unhighlight it. This disconnects numbering from the previous page. If you have different headers, you should repeat these steps but with the cursor in the header section instead.

@Paul, Thank you! Good to have another item checked of my to-do list. :)

@Serena - thanks for responding. I had already stated following Paul's directions before I saw your comment, so I did not have a chance to try your directions

Steve

when it's all finished, i hope you will share a chapter or two with us ;-)

Thanks again Paul! :) Hoping to have it published by next summer. I think I will include a shout-out to Experts Exchange in my acknowledgements! :)