Incorrect Results Printing Linked Object in Nested Mergefield

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0a, and 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

A linked Microsoft Excel worksheet looks fine in a Word main merge document, but it appears in the merged document as a box or as a box with an "x" in it.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the Microsoft Excel worksheet is included as part of a conditional IF field.

WORKAROUND

Rather than insert the Microsoft Excel information as an object, use the following procedure to link the information as either Formatted Text or Unformatted Text:

1. In Microsoft Excel, select the range of cells that you want to link in Word.

2. On the Edit menu, click Copy.

3. Minimize Microsoft Excel and start Word.

4. Open the mail merge main document and position your insertion point where you want the Microsoft Excel link.

5. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special.

6. In the Paste Special dialog box, click the Paste Link option.

7. In the As list, click Formatted Text (RTF) or Unformatted Text.

8. Click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Word versions 6.0, 6.0a, and 6.0c for Windows and Microsoft Word for Windows 95, version 7.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

In the following example, if the Sales field contains a number greater than 100, Word prints a portion of the Commission sheet in the Sales.Xls file. If the Sales field is not greater than 100, Word prints the sentence "Try to sell more!"

   {IF {MERGEFIELD Sales} > 100 "{LINK Excel.Sheet.1
   "C:\\EXCEL\\SALES.XLS" "Commission!R1C1:R5C5" \a \p}"
   "Try to sell more!"}