filtering dates using Access data

[auntyjack]

I've imported a query into Word 2003 mail merge from
Access but it won't allow limiting names by date - only
shows blank, all etc, not the dates (but I do have a date
field with dates). It was working. I've tried "Confirm
conversions at Open' setting in word to no avail. I have
created the database in an older version and alternate
file path and think moving it coinsided with it failing
but I have put it back in its original file path location.
The database is in development stage and I have created a
front end/back end since - will a new front end fix it? I
would like to keep the data.
thanks

 

[Cindy M -WordMVP-]

Hi Auntyjack,

I don't think we have enough information to go on to guess
why what was working may not be "all of a sudden".

However, my recommendation would be to do the filtering at
the Access end, using the query (or a query based on "the"
query).

A thought, however, if I'm following your description
correctly: It sounds as if you're relying on the "Recipients"
dialog box lists for the filtering? These lists can only
manage a limited number of entries. As soon as the records
result in more possible values than the list can hold, it
shows you only the standard things (blank, not blank, all).
Try clicking on the "Advanced" entry to get into the more
powerful Query Options dialog box. Here, you can specify
exactly what you want. Word can be tricky when working with
dates, however. Last I checked, you needed to use the North
American date format with this: m/d/yy

I've imported a query into Word 2003 mail merge from
Access but it won't allow limiting names by date - only
shows blank, all etc, not the dates (but I do have a date
field with dates). It was working. I've tried "Confirm
conversions at Open' setting in word to no avail. I have
created the database in an older version and alternate
file path and think moving it coinsided with it failing
but I have put it back in its original file path location.
The database is in development stage and I have created a
front end/back end since - will a new front end fix it? I
would like to keep the data.

Cindy Meister
INTER-Solutions, Switzerland
http://homepage.swissonline.ch/cindymeister (last update Jun
8 2004)
http://www.word.mvps.org

This reply is posted in the Newsgroup; please post any follow
question or reply in the newsgroup and not by e-mail

 

[auntyjack]

I only had a few fields but the list will get long
(currently 270 names). I tried using a parameter query in
Access to select names with a certain date but couldn't
make that work (I know how to do them in Access but
opening up in Word 2003 did not work - I could do it in
older versions).
Will look at advanced again as just tried it in older
version but I am trying to set up something simple for
others (and not very experienced computer users) to use
for template mail merge letters using the database info.
Any suggestions on the simplest option - the text of the
letter could change each time.

 

[Cindy M -WordMVP-]

Hi Auntyjack,

I tried using a parameter query in
Access to select names with a certain date but couldn't
make that work (I know how to do them in Access but
opening up in Word 2003 did not work - I could do it in
older versions).

Right. Parameter queries only work if Word connects to
Access using DDE. Default in 2002/2003 is OLE DB, which
doesn't "converse" with the application interface.

You'll find instructions on my website on how you can
change the way Word connects to Access so that you can use
DDE.

Worst case scenario, you might consider using a FORM in
Word or Access to get the user information, then set the
query via automation.

Cindy Meister
INTER-Solutions, Switzerland
http://homepage.swissonline.ch/cindymeister (last update
Jun 8 2004)
http://www.word.mvps.org

This reply is posted in the Newsgroup; please post any
follow question or reply in the newsgroup and not by e-mail