There are conflicting things here.
To make a ToC (may be different in your versuion), go to where you want it and:
Insert > Reference > Index and Tables and select the Table of Contents tab.
Now...you can change quite a bit.
By default Word will use the built-in headings styles, but you do NOT have to use them. You can make your own styles for your headings. You can have Word use any style you want, to build the ToC.
Keep in mind that this is NOT the same as the style Word uses IN the ToC - that is, the format of the ToC text itself. These are the ToC 1 - 9 styles. i am talking about what style you use to
build the ToC. It can be any style. The default, again, though is Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3 - as the default levels to go down a ToC is 3 levels. You can change that as well.
So - simple instructions?
1. Go to where you want the ToC. I would recommend having the ToC in its own Section.
2. Go Insert > Reference > Index and Tables
3. select Table of Contents tab.
4. If you want to accept the defaults - 3 levels deep, use Heading 1 - 3 styles to built the ToC....then press OK.
Gerry
My paintings and sculpture