using mail merge tool, saving merge form,crashes Word since 12.2.0

[Tom_R._in_OK]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

Since updating to the latest version of Office, and Word 12.2.0, I have had the following problem.

I will create a blank Word Document, open the Mail Merge tool, and create a new Catalog. For the datasource, I choose FileMaker Pro. I then run the import, selecting the database, and database fields. After that, I place the fields in the blank document, along with other formatting. I can preview the merge, or generate the merge and create the new document. I can save the new document just fine.

But, each time I try to save the mail merge form, the document containing all of the fields, Word crashes without saving the document. Word allows me to choose save, navigate to the directory I want, and edit the name of the document, but when I click Save in the save dialog box, Word crashes.

I depend on using the mail merge tool in conjunction with FileMaker pro for my business. It is a critical tool. I hope this issue can be resolved soon. Until then, I am paddle-less on the proverbial creek.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[CyberTaz]

Using an Excel record source (don't have FM to test with) I'm unable to
repro the crash, but I don't see what type of record source should make any
difference in the Save operation... Especially since everything else appears
to be seamlessly executed. It sounds more to me like a disk/OS error. The
first step I'd take is to repair disk permissions just to see if that makes
the gremlin go away. If not...

It could be a matter of the length and/or content of the path to & file name
of the FM file. Try saving the Word main document in the same folder as the
FM file. If the FM file is nested deeply in a hierarchy of folders try
moving it to a position closer to the top, reselect the record source & see
if that makes any difference.

Other than that I'm afraid I don't know what to suggest. If the problem
persists reply with as much additional detail as possible even if it doesn't
seem pertinent. Perhaps someone with FM (which version?) will have more to
offer.

 

[Peter Jamieson]

I see the same problem (not a regular FMP user myself) but cannot check
Word prior to 12.2.0.

Everything OK with an Excel data source as Bob Jones reports.

No obvious reason that I can see - I can save to .doc format, but then
Word cannot find its data source when I re-open. I can save to any
format that does not save Mailmerge connection info. (e.g. .rtf on this
version of Mac Word does not, and nor does Word 2003 .xml), but not to
..docx, Word 2007 .xml, or .docm

Peter Jamieson

http://tips.pjmsn.me.uk

 

[Rew]

I have exactly the same problem when trying to save a form letter using Entourage Address Book as the data source. I can generate the merged doc as emails and I can navigate through my directory to save the form letter but as soon as I hit save Word crashes. This problem only started today. Last week I had no issue saving the form letter.

Andrew

 

[Tom_R._in_OK]

Bob -

Thanks for the advice. I ran Disk Utility and repaired disk permissions. This didn't solve the problem. Also, the source filemaker pro file was in the Desktop directory, which was also where I was trying to save the merge file; so a long path does not seem to be the trouble.

After trying a couple of other options, I found that this problem only seems to occur when saving to the .docx format; when I changed the file type to .doc instead of .docx, I didn't see the problem and was able to save the merge file just fine.

Best regards,

Tom

 

[Rew]

Saving mine as a DOC rather than DOCX also worked for me.

Is there a mechanism on this site for alerting MS to this bug?

 

[Peter Jamieson]

Is there a mechanism on this site for alerting MS to this bug?

I am told that the way to do it is to send a reproducible test case
using Word 2008->Help->Send feedback about Word, which currently leads
you to a web page at

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/suggestions.mspx?product=word

I've just submitted a report on this problem.

Peter Jamieson

http://tips.pjmsn.me.uk

 

[John McGhie]

Yes, but it's easier to find in the Applications themselves.

In the Help menu of any Microsoft Office application there is a "Send
Feedback" item that takes you directly there.

Cheers

Saving mine as a DOC rather than DOCX also worked for me.

Is there a mechanism on this site for alerting MS to this bug?

This email is my business email -- Please do not email me about forum
matters unless you intend to pay!

--

John McGhie, Microsoft MVP (Word, Mac Word), Consultant Technical Writer,
McGhie Information Engineering Pty Ltd
Sydney, Australia. | Ph: +61 (0)4 1209 1410
+61 4 1209 1410, mailto:[email protected]