WD2000: Error Message: "Word Was Unable to Open the Data Source"

ID: Q189093


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word 2000


SYMPTOMS

When you use MSQuery to generate a data source for a Word mail merge, the following error message may appear:

Word was unable to open the data source.


CAUSE

This error message occurs when your query string exceeds 255 characters.


RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods:

  • Shorten the search string. For example, shorten the path to the data source, shorten the file name, or select fewer columns of data when you define your query.

    -or-


  • Connect to the data source using dynamic data exchange (DDE) instead of MSQuery.


STATUS

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

Additional query words: print merge ms

Keywords : kbdta wd2000
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbbug


Last Reviewed: January 5, 2000
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