WD97: Err Msg: "Runtime Error" When Creating Form Letter (182610)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Direct Mail Manager for Windows
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q182610

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a form letter in Direct Mail Manager, you may receive the following error message:
Run-time error - 2147467259 (80004005)
Method 'Assistant' of object'_Application' failed
And then one of the following will occur:

  • When you click End, the main document for your mail merge form letter is created.

    -or-
  • When you click Help, the Visual Basic Reference Help is shown, which describes Automation Error 440. When you close the Visual Basic Reference Help, you return to the error message above.

CAUSE

This error message occurs when you use any of the following Direct Mail Manager templates

  • Letter Wizard.wiz
  • Flyer Wizard.wiz
  • Postcard Wizard.wiz
and the Microsoft Office Assistant is not installed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, run the Word 97 Setup program, and install the Office Assistant. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  3. In the list of programs, double-click Microsoft Word 97.
  4. In Microsoft Word 97 Setup, when you are prompted with "Welcome to the Microsoft Word 97 installation maintenance program," click Add/Remove.
  5. Click to select the Office Assistant check box, and then click OK.
  6. Click Continue to complete Word Setup.

MORE INFORMATION

If you use Direct Mail Manager to create a form letter in Microsoft Word, and you use either the Letter Wizard.wiz, the Flyer Wizard.wiz, or the Postcard Wizard.wiz template, when you click Open, the Office Assistant should appear with the following help information in Word.

Letter Wizard.wiz Template

Welcome to the DirectNET Letter Wizard.

Create your letter using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished, save your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete your mailing.

The Letter Wizard helps you create a letter using techniques of direct mail and professional copywriters. As you make your choices, you'll see them implemented. When you click on Finish, read the document for more details.

Flyer Wizard.wiz Template

Welcome to the DirectNET Flyer Wizard.

Create your flyer using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished, save your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete your mailing.

The Flyer Wizard helps you create a flyer using direct marketing techniques. As you make your choices, you'll see them happening tight on the screen. When you click on finish, read the document and you'll get more ideas.

Postcard Wizard.wiz Template

Welcome to the DirectNET Postcard Wizard.

Create your postcard using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished, save your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete your mailing.

The Postcard Wizard helps you create a postcard using direct marketing techniques. As you make your choices, you'll see them happening right on the screen. When you click on Finish, read the document and you'll get more ideas.

REFERENCES

For more information about creating a form letter in Direct Mail Manager, click the Help button, click the Index button in Direct Mail Manager Help, type the following text

Form letters

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Create Form Letters step" topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/16/2000
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbsetup KB182610
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.