Why do I get "A field caluclation error occured in record N"?

[jgatokdhs]

I'm just doing a simple mail merge in Word 2003. The data source is an excel
2003 spreadsheet. If I click OK on the error, I get the same error on every
record, yet the finished document is perfect. Why am I getting the error or
how can I find out specifically what Word is complaining about?

 

[Peter Jamieson]

First, I would have a look at all the field codes by using Alt-F9 to display
the { } versions of the codes.

Do you have anything except { MERGEFIELD } type fields? Do you have any
pictures or linked objects in the document?

Peter Jamieson

 

[jgatokdhs]

All the fields are {MERGEFIELD}. There are no pictures or any other linked
objects other than a State Seal and DHS Logo in the heading of the document.

 

[Peter Jamieson]

I would probably try a number of things with a reduced size data source
including:
a. Make sure you are seeing /all/ the fields including hidden fields (e.g.
also check Word Tools|Options|View|All)
b. Make sure you have actually selected all the fields in the document and
executed them (e.g. using F9) before merging. (This shouldn't affect
MERGEFIELD fields though)
c. copy some records from my data source into a completely different format
d. copy/paste the main body of the document into a completely new Word
document and try that
e. remove things one by one and re-execute the merge until the problem
disappears. I'd probably actually start with the pictures, then remove each
field in turn.

Peter Jamieson