WD97: Word Can't Open Data Source If String Is Too Long (157615)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q157615

SYMPTOMS

When you use MSQuery to generate a data source for a Word mail merge, you may receive the following error message:
Word was unable to open the data source.

CAUSE

This error message occurs when your query string exceeds 255 characters.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods:

  • Shorten the search string. For example, shorten the path to the data source, shorten the file name, or select fewer columns of data when you define your query.

    -or-
  • Connect to the data source using dynamic data exchange (DDE) instead of MSQuery.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/12/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbpending kbualink97 KB157615