Section Symbol in Data Source Doesn't Allow Merge

• Microsoft Word for Macintosh, version 6.0,6.0.1,6.0.1a

SYMPTOMS

When you try to attach a data source to a mail merge main document, Word does not attach it. Or, if the data source was originally attached and you later modify the data source and then add the section symbol to the first data record, the data source will be disassociated from the main document.

If a record other than the first record contains the section symbol, you can attach the data source. However, when you perform the merge, you will receive the following error message when Word attempts to merge the record containing the section symbol:

   Word could not finish merging these documents or inserting
   this database.

CAUSE

The data source contains the section symbol.

WORKAROUND

Remove the section symbol from the data source and place it in the main document.

STATUS

We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.