Works 2000: Cannot Use dBase or Paradox as a Mail-Merge Data Source (239225)

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to use a Paradox file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Microsoft Works 2000 Word Processor or Microsoft Works 6 Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:

Works cannot open the mail-merge list you selected. The file may be damaged, or it may be in a format that Works does not support.

When you attempt to use a dBase file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Works Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:

Works cannot open this data source. The data source may not be in supported format or a required component of the application is missing.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the file name of the mail-merge data source that you are attempting to use does not conform to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention.

NOTE: The Jet drivers for these data sources cannot use long file names.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, rename the file that you want to use as a mail-merge data source so that it conforms to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention:

Start Windows Explorer.
Browse to find the file that you want.
Click to select the file.
On the File menu, click Rename.
Type the name that you want, following the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention.

The MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention uses a file name of eight or fewer characters, followed by a period, followed by a file extension of three or fewer characters.

NOTE: If you are naming a dBase file, use the extension .dbf. If you are naming a Paradox file, use the extension .db.
Click outside the file name or icon to save the name change.