WD2000: Error Message: "Word Cannot Start the Converter <filename>" with Mail Merge from Outlook

ID: Q243088

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 2000

SYMPTOMS

When you try to do a mail merge from Microsoft Outlook to Microsoft Word, the following error message appears, and you cannot perform the mail merge:

Word cannot start the converter <filename>.

where <filename> is the file name of a Word converter file (for example, Doswrd32).

CAUSE

The file name referred to in the error message is a missing or corrupt converter file. However, it is not necessarily one you are trying to use. When Word begins the merge operation, it validates the converter files found on the computer against their pointers in the registry. If there is a discrepancy, this error message is generated.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, use one of the following methods appropriate for your situation:

Method 1: Reinstall the Converter

If you need the converter referred to in the error message, reinstall it on your computer.

Method 2: Uninstall the Converter

If you do not need the converter listed in the error message, uninstall the converter.

For additional information about how to install or uninstall the text converters for Microsoft Word 2000, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q212265 WD: Additional Text Converters and Image Filters Available in Converter Pack

Q236051 WD2000: Text Converters Installed During an Install Now Setup

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about performing a mail merge from Microsoft Outlook, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q192258 OL2000: How to Mail Merge Using Contacts

Q243055 OL2000: Error Message: 'Word Could Not Start the Converter...'

Additional query words:

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