Incorrect merging of Excel data

[Joan]

We are running Windows XP Professional with SP1 - office
2002 and experiencing problems using Excel files as the
data source for Word mail merges.

First, when the amount is formatted in Excel to 2
decimals, Word mail merge imports the amount to many
decimals.

Second, When have cells in Excel ith a percent symbol,
Word again shows amount carried out to many decimal
places.

Any suggestions on how to fix this problem so that the
data appears in Word mail merge exactly the same as it
appears in the Excel file?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Peter Jamieson]

You either have to revert to the old DDE connection method - check Word
Tools|Options|General|Confirm conversions at open, then go through the
connection process again, and select the DDE option when offered, or you
have to use Word numeric format switches in your WOrd { MERGEFIELD }
fields - you can look them up in Help, but e.g.

{ MERGEFIELD myfield \#",$#.00 } is an example of a typical switch for a
dollar amount with two decimal places.

My guess is that you will find the percentage stuff easier if you revert to
DDE rather than use the switch approach, but the DDE approach does have
disadvantages (i.e. it requires Excel to start)

 

[Joan]

Peter, much thanks for your prompt and helpful response.
I tried the DDE connection method and it work!!! This
answer to this problem had eluded us for months. Regards,
j