Data file format

[Julie]

Hi

I was doing a simple merge, and noticed that was forcing
me to save my data as an Access database file. It was
called "MS Office Address List". I know I have done this
before and was allowed to save in Word format.

Is there a setting or something else that controls this?
Thanks

 

[DK Pfeiffer]

Hi

What version of Word are you using and are you creating your data source
during the mail merge process?

DK Pfeiffer
Microsoft Technical Support for Business Applications

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Julie]

Sorry, I'm on Word 2002. The whole process was done
through the Mail Merge Wizard, including creating the data
source. Thanks

 

[Peter Jamieson]

The option in the Mail Merge Wizard always saves as a .mdb.

If you want to use the old method, you can go into Tools|Customize|Commands,
select category All COmmands, and drag the MailMergeCreateDataSource command
to a toolbar or menu (perhaps the MailMerge Toolbar) and use that instead.

 

[DK Pfeiffer[MSFT]]

Hi

The design of mail merge changed with Word 2002. When a user uses the mail
merge wizard to create a simple data file the only save option for the file
is Microsoft Office Address List. This is the same for Publisher as well.

The address list tool in both of these products creates files in the
Microsoft Database (.mdb) format. This is also the format the mail merge
database engine uses internally. The .mdb format is also used by Microsoft
Access and is not case sensitive.

The only way to make other file types as data sources is to create them
outside the mail merge process (not choosing Type New List in the mail
merge task pane). Once the file is created, the user will attach it by
choosing Use an existing list when they are setting up their main mail
merge document.

I hope this information is helpful.

DK Pfeiffer
Microsoft Technical Support for Business Applications

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.