WD: Inserting Database in Word Document Does Not Retain Pictures

ID: Q114306

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, version 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Access for Windows, versions 1.0, 2.0
• Microsoft Access for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Access 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you insert a Microsoft Access or Microsoft FoxPro database in a document, no pictures in the database appear in Word for Windows. (To insert a database in Word, use the Database command on the Insert menu or choose Mail Merge from the Tools menu and then choose the Get Data button.)

When you use DDE (dynamic data exchange) to insert the database, the following error message appears in Word in place of the picture:

   Long binary or text value.

NOTE: This problem can occur with any database application that interfaces via DDE with the Word mail merge or database features.

CAUSE

Neither DDE nor the implementation of ODBC in Microsoft Word support the long binary format used to store pictures in a database.

MORE INFORMATION

Saving the Microsoft Access or Microsoft FoxPro database in a different file format, including RTF (rich text format), does not retain the database pictures, so you cannot use RTF as a workaround.

See page 677 in the "Microsoft Word User's Guide" for information on selecting DDE or ODBC as the conversion method.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 624-632, 676-677

Additional query words: ODBC DDE

Keywords          : kbprint kbualink97 kbmerge 
Version           : 6.0 6.0a 6.0c 7.0 7.0a 97
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: April 21, 1998