WD2000: Word Cannot Open <Filename> as a Data or Header Source

• Microsoft Word 2000

SYMPTOMS

When you set up a mail merge in Word, the following error message may appear:

Word cannot open <filename.doc> as a data or header source because it is a mail merge main document.

CAUSE

The file that you are attempting to attach as a data (header) source has been previously set as a main document in Word.

WORKAROUND

Make sure the document you want to use as the data source is actually the data source and not a mail merge main document. If it is actually the data source, you can reset it as the data source by following these steps:

1. Close all documents currently open in Word.



2. Open the data file you want to use in your mail merge.



3. On the Tools menu, click Mail Merge.



4. In the Mail Merge Helper, click Create and then click Restore to Normal Word Document.



5. When you receive the following message, click Yes:




By restoring <filename.doc> to a normal Word document, the text of the document will not change. However, <filename.doc> will no longer be a mail merge main document. Do you want to continue?

6. In the Mail Merge Helper, click Close.



7. On the File menu, click Save, and then close the file.



8. Perform your mail merge again.

Additional query words: printmerge mailmerge datasource datafile

Keywords : kbdta kbmerge wd2000
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb