Word 97 - using external datasources

[mdav2]

I am trying to set up a word template to use an external database to populate details in the letter. The external database source is currently a single access 97 table.

I cannot use mail merge because the template will be used for a mail merge by the user AFTER the details from the database have populate the document.

I am a database developer who uses Access 97 and are used to the idea of using recordsets. Does Word 97 have the equivalent of a recordset?

Is it possible to get information into the template without using mail merge?

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[Dreamboat]

M: My thinking is that it would be much easier if you were to import, then combine, the two data sources in Access.

If you could give a good example of what you're trying to accomplish, i.e., why do they need to merge AFTER you have? would help.
techsupportgirl@home.com
Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word

http://www.brainbench.com

 

[mdav2]

It is a corporate template that we are trying to make generic across all departments. The idea is to have one database table (or other data source) that the template uses to offer the user a choice of senders information. EG their name, department etc. This will be copied to the same location across the departmental servers.

We cannot use a mail merge because the users get the sender information then use the letter produced in their own mail merges. The second mail merge is only done by some not all and has different requirements which we are not developing.

I have seen an article that shows that it is possible using access 2000 but it doesn't work with 97, which is the current standard.

I have found a way to do it with a text file but would prefer a database as its easily maintained.

 

[Dreamboat]

So....

Could you let them run the merge, or have the template run the first merge on auto_open macro (to one data record, right?), then change the data source and run again? Just a thought, though I haven't tried it.

Basically, if you can get the document to merge then merge again, you ought to be able to put a custom menu in the merge file to do step one then step two.

Maybe I'm grasping at straws and you've thought of all this.
techsupportgirl@home.com
Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word

http://www.brainbench.com

 

[PaulMilnes]

mdav

You can push the information out of Access into Word instead of pulling it out from Word, but it involves some coding (which I can e-mail to you if you'd like it).

I feel that Dreamboat's idea of a two-stage process might be the best, but is it not possible for the two sets of information both to come from Access?

Paul

 

[mdav2]

I have sorted this out now.
Thanks for all the help.