WD97: Unable to Fax Mail Merge to Microsoft Fax from Word

ID: Q142345

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows 95 and a version of Word listed at the beginning of this article, you cannot merge to fax when you use electronic mail (e-mail).

When you select mail merge to Electronic Mail you may receive the following error message.

Word cannot merge documents that can be distributed by mail or fax without a valid mail address. Choose the Setup button to select a mail address data field.
NOTE: You can send single faxes from Word without error.


CAUSE

An incorrect entry is contained in the Msmail.ini.

-or-
The fax number field does not contain a corresponding address in the Exchange or Outlook Personal Address Book (Contact List).


RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use the appropriate method for your situation.

Method 1: When Using Exchange Only

To correct the Msmail.ini, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start button on the Windows 95 Taskbar.


  2. Click Run.


  3. Type "msmail.ini" (without the quotation marks), and then click OK.

    This starts Notepad.


  4. In the [EFAX Transport] section, add the following line:


    5. 
      LocalFax=1
  5. Save and close Msmail.ini.


You can now merge to electronic fax.

Method 2: Use the Correct Fax Number Format

To prevent Exchange or Outlook from checking for an address in the Personal Address Book, change the phone number format to this format
[FAX:NUMBER]
as in the following example:
[FAX:2065550187]
Use this number format (including the brackets) for all fax numbers contained in the data source. Any record that does not use this format will return the error message. Using this number format will prevent Microsoft Exchange or Outlook from checking for a corresponding address in the Personal Address book.


MORE INFORMATION

For more information about merging to fax using e-mail, click the Office Assistant, type "How do I merge to fax using e-mail?," click to view "Print or send a mail-merge document," click Search, and then click to view "Distribute form letters to electronic-mail or fax addresses."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

Q171043 OL98: (CW) Microsoft Fax Does Not Process Dialing Properties

Additional query words: AWFAX WIN95 mail merge print electronic fax faxing 8.0

Keywords : kbinterop kbprint word97 kbmerge mmhelp998
Version : WINDOWS:97
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: August 17, 1999
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