Merge Data Source path

[dixie]

I have an Access application that sends letters by automation from inside
the application. It sends out a text file using the 'Transfer Text' command
that has the field mergedata (from an Access query). Each mail merge letter
has the path and filename for its particular merge data text file set
manually.

My problem is now, that the application has spread to quite a few sites and
each site sends these merge data text files to a different drive and folder
name than the one I use (they are not allowed access to their local drive so
it is sent to a network drive).. Is there a way, without going into each
mail merge letter and manually changing the location of the merge data file,
to change the path to these files easily - there are about 80 letters, so
doing it manually is a horrific job and I think I would also need to have
that path on my computer before I can link the merge data file to the
letter.

Looking for an easy solution with bated breath!

dixie

 

[dixie]

Forgot to mention - I am using Office 2000 to create these mail merge
letters. On sites that use it, however, they are using combinations of
Office 2000, 2002, 2003.

dixie

 

[Peter Jamieson]

I think the only way you will be able to do this is
a. disconnect the mail merge main document from its data source before you
distribute it. This will remove the information about the data source
location, and sort/filter specifications, but will not remove fields.
b. change the Access application to use Word Automation to connect to the
data source (e.g. using OpenDataSource) and set up any necessary sort/filter
conditions - if any are needed, it is really a question of issuing the
correct SQL in the OpenDataSource call.
c. test, test, test.

Peter Jamieson