Problem with automatic update of field in Word 2003

[LIMSman]

I am trying to link fields in a collection of Word 2003 documents to a central reference document with bookmarked text strings so that when the details in the reference document change, all other documents reflect the change on opening.

I have used Insert/Field/IncludeText in the documents pointing to a Bookmark in the reference doc. I have attempted to set options in Word to automatically update on opening but, in practice, the change does not take effect until a manual update is performed.

Any suggestions (preferably not resorting to macros)?

Thanks

LM

 

[fumei]

You can have an automatic update for printing but as far as I know you can not do an automatic update on opening the file - that is without code in the the Document_Open event.

What is your objection to code?

Gerry

 

[LIMSman]

Thanks Gerry - my main requirement is to view the document with fields already updated. I briefly looked at the update at printing - my first attempt didn't update - perhaps I overlooked some setting.

My problem with resorting to code is that our IT team is preoccupied with security and doesn't like allowing macros to be run nor do they want to become involved with signed/certificated macros.

LM

 

[TonyJollans]

Gerry is correct. This cannot be done without code.

If Fields are set to update on printing they update on the printed copy but not the document itself in Word or on disk.

Enjoy,
Tony

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[fumei]

IT departments usually DO get concerned with security. And that is good.

However, I do wish they would realistically assess threats. There is very simple and short code that will update fields when a document is opened. It does not affect servers, or networks. It does not send email and does not affect operating systems or registry settings.

In other words it can do what needs to get done with no threat whatsoever.

Sorry, but you are stuck. Again, you can set Word to automatically update fields before printing, but not when opening the document. You can make it do so with code.

Gerry

 

[LIMSman]

Tony - thanks for your response.

Gerry - you're right, I am stuck! I agree with your view on using code but I'm dealing with an IT team whose stock line is "security considerations preclude this approach". However, I may as well give it a try again!

Could you please advise as to the code to use in the Document_Open event.

Thanks again.

LM