How to Automatically Use ODBC Rather Than DDE

ID: Q105900

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SUMMARY

When you open a database file or attach a data file for a print merge in Word, Word will use DDE by default to gather the information. To automatically use ODBC, follow the directions below.

WORKAROUND #1

WARNING: ANY USE BY YOU OF THE CODE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Microsoft provides this macro code "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.

Select the Confirm Conversions option when you specify which database to use.

1. From the Tools menu, choose Mail Merge. 2. Select Get Data, Open Data Source. 3. Select Confirm Conversions.

Macros for Method #1

REM Choosing a data file for a Print Merge

Sub MAIN

FileConfirmConversions - 1 Dim dlg As MailMergeHelper GetCurValues dlg On Error Goto bye Dialog dlg MailmergeHelper dlg bye:

End Sub

REM Opening a Database file using FileOpen.

Sub MAIN

FileConfirmConversions - 1 Dim dlg As FileOpen GetCurValues dlg On Error Goto bye Dialog dlg FileOpen dlg bye:

End Sub

WORKAROUND #2

If the database is listed in the [Extensions] section of the WIN.INI file, commenting out or removing the line will force Word to use ODBC to access the database.

Microsoft Access Example

[Extensions] xlw=C:\WINDOWS\WINAPPS\EXCEL\EXCEL.EXE ^.xlw

'MDB=C:\WINDOWS\WINAPPS\ACCESS\msaccess.exe  ^.MDB

NOTE: To comment a line out of the WIN.INI file, insert an apostrophe at the beginning of the line.

KBCategory: KBSubcategory: kbmerge Additional query words: 6.0 print merge faster database 6.0a 6.0c word6 winword dbase access paradox

Keywords          : kbprint kbmerge 
Version           : 6.0 6.0a 6.0c
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: February 6, 1998