WD2000: Incorrect Results Using Backslash in Conditional Merge

ID: Q197837

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you use a conditional MERGEFIELD for a result that includes quotation marks, the result of the field contains a backslash.

For example, if you have the following conditional statement in your mail merge main document that uses backslashes to have quotation marks appear in the result of a true condition for a record 


   {IF {MERGEFIELD name} = "Jo Brown" "\"Now is the time...\"" "false
   condition"}


you would expect to receive the result of "Now is the time" on a true statement. However, Word gives you the following result: 


   "Now is the time...\"


NOTE: This problem may also occur with commas or backslashes.


WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use a unique character in place of the quotation mark. After the merge is completed, use the Replace command to search for the unique character, and replace it with a quotation mark. (Note that the character you choose should not occur elsewhere in your document.)

Example

In the merge field, use the pound sign instead of quotation marks. 


   {IF {MERGEFIELD name} = "Jo Brown" "#Now is the time...#" "false
   condition"}


After the merge is completed, follow these steps to replace the pound sign with a quotation mark:

  1. On the Edit menu, click Replace.


  2. In the Find What box, type the unique character (the pound sign, in this example).


  3. In the Replace With box, type a quotation mark.


All instances of the unique character (the pound sign in this example) will be replaced with a quotation mark.


MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about this issue, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q197839 WD2000: Certain Characters Are Not Displayed in Field Results

Additional query words: quote mail merge else print condition 


Keywords          : kbdta wd2000 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: May 13, 1999