Microsoft KB Archive/218352

= OL2000: Error Message "Word was unable to open the data source." =

Article ID: 218352

Article Last Modified on 9/29/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Outlook 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q218352



SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to do a mail merge from Microsoft Word using the Outlook Personal Address Book (PAB) as the data source, you may receive the following error Message:

Word was unable to open the data source.

This may be followed by:

The document name or path is not valid. Try these suggestions.


 * Check the file permissions for the document or drive.


 * Use the File Open dialog box to locate the document.

(Personal Address Book)



CAUSE
You do not have the Outlook option, Keep personal addresses in set to Personal Address Book.



RESOLUTION
Set the Outlook option, Keep personal addresses in to Personal Address Book.

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In Word, choose the Outlook Address Book as the data source instead of the PAB.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.



MORE INFORMATION
To use the Personal Address Book:
 * 1) On the Tools menu, click Services.
 * 2) On the Addressing tab, click to select Personal Address Book from the Keep personal addresses in list.
 * 3) Click OK.

