WD: How to Convert Works Files for Use with Word Mail Merges

Q138416

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

This article explains how to use Works for Windows as a data source for Word mail merges.

Converting Works Spreadsheets

To import a Works version 3.0 or later for Windows spreadsheet into Word as a print merge data source or otherwise, first save the spreadsheet from within Works in the Microsoft Excel, Text & Tabs, or Text & Commas format. Saving in Microsoft Excel format will retain character formatting (for example, bold).

For Works for MS-DOS or Works for Windows versions earlier than version 3.0, save the spreadsheet in the Text & Tabs or Text & Commas format.

Converting Works Databases

To import a Works version 3.0 or later for Windows database into Word as a print merge data source or otherwise, first save the database from within Works in the dBASE IV, Text & Tabs, or Text & Commas format.

For Works for MS-DOS or Works for Windows versions earlier than version 3.0, save the spreadsheet in the Text & Tabs or Text & Commas format.

NOTE: Works databases saved in the Text & Tabs, or Text & Commas format lose the header record when opened in Word. To use the database as a data source in a Word mail merge, you must add a header record after you open the file. Works databases saved in the dBASE IV format do not lose the header record when inserted into Word.


MORE INFORMATION

Saving a Works spreadsheet in the Text & Tabs or Text & Commas format will retain a document in valid merge-data-source-delimited format (for example, if a field entry contains a comma or tab, it will be encompassed within quotation marks).

Lotus 1-2-3 format cannot be used because Works exports in Lotus 1-2-3 1.x format, which is not supported by the Lotus 1-2-3 2.x-4.x converter supplied with Word.

If the database is saved in the dBASE IV format, the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver must be installed for Word to insert the database. Note that the ODBC driver does not maintain font formatting.

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

Q106142 Word 6.0 Uses ODBC to Open dBASE Files

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Last Reviewed: November 4, 2000
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