OL2000: Error Message "Word was unable to open the data source." (218352)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 2000
This article was previously published under Q218352

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to do a mail merge from Microsoft Word using the Outlook Personal Address Book (PAB) as the data source, you may receive the following error Message:
Word was unable to open the data source.
This may be followed by:
The document name or path is not valid. Try these suggestions.
* Check the file permissions for the document or drive.
* Use the File Open dialog box to locate the document.
(Personal Address Book)

CAUSE

You do not have the Outlook option, Keep personal addresses in set to Personal Address Book.

RESOLUTION

Set the Outlook option, Keep personal addresses in to Personal Address Book.

-or-

In Word, choose the Outlook Address Book as the data source instead of the PAB.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

To use the Personal Address Book:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Services.
  2. On the Addressing tab, click to select Personal Address Book from the Keep personal addresses in list.
  3. Click OK.

REFERENCES

For additional information about problems with mail merge from Word, please click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

224915 OL2000: Error with Send To Exchange Folder from Office Programs

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/29/2003
Keywords:kbbug KB218352
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