WD97: Incorrect Results Using Quotation Marks, Commas, or Backslashes in Conditional Merge (176620)

SYMPTOMS

When you use a conditional MERGEFIELD for a result that includes quotation marks, the result of the field contains a backslash.

For example, if you have the following conditional statement in your mail merge main document, which uses backslashes to have quotation marks appear in the result of a true condition for a record

{IF {MERGEFIELD name} = "Jo Brown" "\"Now is the time...\"" "false condition"}

you would expect to receive the result of "Now is the time" on a true statement. However, Word gives you the following result:

"Now is the time...\"

NOTE: This problem may also occur with commas or backslashes.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Use Two Apostrophes

Instead of using \" (backslash double-quotation mark), use two apostrophes ('') and remove the backslash.

Method 2: Use the Edit/Replace Command

To work around this problem, use a unique character in place of the quotation mark. After the merge is completed, use the Replace command to search for the unique character, and replace it with a quotation mark. (Note that the character you choose must not occur elsewhere in your document.)

Example

In the merge field, use the pound sign instead of quotation marks.

{IF {MERGEFIELD name} = "Jo Brown" "#Now is the time...#" "false condition"}

After the merge is completed, follow these steps to replace the pound sign with a quotation mark:

On the Edit menu, click Replace.
In the Find what box, type the unique character (the pound sign, in this example).
In the Replace with box, type a quotation mark.

All instances of the unique character (the pound sign, in this example) are replaced with a quotation mark.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

197840 WD97: Certain Characters Do Not Display in Field Result