WD: Err Msg: "MergeField Was Not Found..." When Mail Merging (177003)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95 7.0a
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0.1
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0.1a
  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q177003

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to run a mail merge using a main document and data source that were created in Word version 5.x, the following error message may appear:
Error! MergeField was not found in header record of data source.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the Word 5.x document contains a MERGEFIELD field with a division (/) symbol. This symbol is not converted correctly in later versions of Word.

For example:

In a converted Word 5.x main document, you may have a MERGEFIELD that resembles one of the following examples:

<<Zip/10>>

-or-

{ MergeField Zip/10 }

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, change the MERGEFIELD so that it resembles the following:
   { = { MergeField Zip } / 10 }
				
NOTE: To change field codes in the Word versions listed at the beginning of this article, use the ALT+F9 (Windows) or OPTION+F9 (Macintosh) shortcut keys.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbfield kbfix KB177003