WD97: Main Document Not Connected to Data Source in Word 6.x/7.x (172819)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q172819

SYMPTOMS

In Word 6.x or 7.x, if you use the Word 97 import converter to open a mail merge main document created in Word 97, the data document is no longer attached to the main document.

NOTE: The text, formatting, and field codes of the main document remain intact, but the main document is no longer a mail merge main document and the data file is no longer attached. No error messages are displayed.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1: Reattach the Data File in Word 6.x or 7.x

If you have the Word 97 import converter, follow these steps:
  1. Open the main document in Word 6.x or 7.x using the Word 97 import converter.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Mail Merge.
  3. Under Main Document, click Create, and then click Form Letters.
  4. Click Active Window.
  5. Under Data Source, click Get Data, and then click Open Data Source.
  6. Navigate to and select the Word 97 data document.
  7. Click Open.
  8. In the Mail Merge Helper dialog box click Close.

Method 2: Save the Documents in Word 6.0/95 Format

If you do not have the Word 97 import converter, save both the mail merge main document and the data document in Word 6.0/95 format. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Open the mail merge main document in Word 97.
  2. On the File menu click Save As.
  3. In the Save As Type list, click Word 6.0/95, and type a new file name.
  4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the data document.
  5. In Word 6.x or 7.x, open the main mail merge document you saved in step 3.

STATUS

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

REFERENCES

For more information about how to obtain the Word 97-2000 Import Converter, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

162214 WD: How to Obtain the Word 97-2000 Import Converter

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB172819
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