DMM: Err Msg: "Runtime Error" When Creating Form Letter

• Microsoft Direct Mail Manager for Windows
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a form letter in Direct Mail Manager, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error - 2147467259 (80004005)
   Method 'Assistant' of object'_Application' failed

• When you click End, the main document for your mail merge form letter is created.

      -or-
  

• When you click Help, the Visual Basic Reference Help is shown, which describes Automation Error 440. When you close the Visual Basic Reference Help, you return to the error message above.

CAUSE

This error message occurs when you use any of the following Direct Mail Manager templates

• Letter Wizard.wiz
• Flyer Wizard.wiz
• Postcard Wizard.wiz

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, run the Word 97 Setup program, and install the Office Assistant. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

3. In the list of programs, double-click Microsoft Word 97.

4. In Microsoft Word 97 Setup, when you are prompted with "Welcome to the Microsoft Word 97 installation maintenance program," click Add/Remove.

5. Click to select the Office Assistant check box, and then click OK.

6. Click Continue to complete Word Setup.

MORE INFORMATION

If you use Direct Mail Manager to create a form letter in Microsoft Word, and you use either the Letter Wizard.wiz, the Flyer Wizard.wiz, or the Postcard Wizard.wiz template, when you click Open, the Office Assistant should appear with the following help information in Word.

Letter Wizard.wiz Template

   Welcome to the DirectNET Letter Wizard.

   Create your letter using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished,
   save your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete
   your mailing.

   The Letter Wizard helps you create a letter using techniques of direct
   mail and professional copywriters. As you make your choices, you'll see
   them implemented. When you click on Finish, read the document for more
   details.

Flyer Wizard.wiz Template

   Welcome to the DirectNET Flyer Wizard.

   Create your flyer using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished, save
   your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete your
   mailing.

   The Flyer Wizard helps you create a flyer using direct marketing
   techniques. As you make your choices, you'll see them happening tight on
   the screen. When you click on finish, read the document and you'll get
   more ideas.

Postcard Wizard.wiz Template

   Welcome to the DirectNET Postcard Wizard.

   Create your postcard using the DirectNET Wizard. When you're finished,
   save your document and return to the Direct Mail Manager to complete
   your mailing.

   The Postcard Wizard helps you create a postcard using direct marketing
   techniques. As you make your choices, you'll see them happening right on
   the screen. When you click on Finish, read the document and you'll get
   more ideas.

REFERENCES

For more information about creating a form letter in Direct Mail Manager, click the Help button, click the Index button in Direct Mail Manager Help, type the following text

   Form letters