linked documents that cannot be found

[D. Smith]

All,

I am using Word 2002 (office XP) on XP professional. I have created several
hundred documents that have content linked to five source documents. I went
to update the data of the five source docs WITHOUT moving them, or changing
their file names, etc., and now Word cannot find them.

I have tried changing the source of the links and Word brings up the right
file in the right location. However, when I select it again Word responds
with an "unable to start application error" and asks if I would like to fix
it. I click "yes"and Word appears to "fix" or "install" something but,
continues to fail with an "this object was created in Word error"...

I have installed all the Office XP SVP3 CD and get regular auto updates. I
have found this linking of files to be VERY temperatmental (read full of
bugs). Is there anyone out there that can help make this function work
reliably or recommend a replacement strategy ?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. TIA,

--David Smith
(e-mail address removed)

 

[dsmith2005]

This response is for others that experience the same problem and are
searching for a solution.


The fix is simple: Do NOT use MS OLE, as it does not work reliably.


The problem is in the way linked docs are internally coded to recognize

each other. They code structure is prone to breakdown with repeated
use, leading to corrupt .doc files.


A workaround is to use macros to copy in relevant content across files.



Good Luck,


--David Smith