Microsoft KB Archive/239225

= Works 2000: Cannot Use dBase or Paradox as a Mail-Merge Data Source =

Article ID: 239225

Article Last Modified on 1/25/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 2000 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 6.0

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This article was previously published under Q239225



SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to use a Paradox file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Microsoft Works 2000 Word Processor or Microsoft Works 6 Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:

Works cannot open the mail-merge list you selected. The file may be damaged, or it may be in a format that Works does not support.

When you attempt to use a dBase file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Works Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:

Works cannot open this data source. The data source may not be in supported format or a required component of the application is missing.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the file name of the mail-merge data source that you are attempting to use does not conform to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention.

NOTE: The Jet drivers for these data sources cannot use long file names.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, rename the file that you want to use as a mail-merge data source so that it conforms to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention:
 * 1) Start Windows Explorer.
 * 2) Browse to find the file that you want.
 * 3) Click to select the file.
 * 4) On the File menu, click Rename.
 * 5) Type the name that you want, following the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention.

The MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention uses a file name of eight or fewer characters, followed by a period, followed by a file extension of three or fewer characters.

NOTE: If you are naming a dBase file, use the extension .dbf. If you are naming a Paradox file, use the extension .db.
 * 1) Click outside the file name or icon to save the name change.

Additional query words: w_works works2k w2001 works6 mailmerge LFN database

Keywords: kb3rdparty kbnofix kbprb KB239225

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