Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Checking Your Data File.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 2, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Word includes a powerful feature called Mail Merge that allows you to combine a document with data from a data source to create individualized documents. Once you have created your main document and your data file is attached, it is a good idea to run a final check by comparing your data file with your document. To do this, simply open your main document. The Mail Merge toolbar should be visible near the top of the screen.
Near the middle of the Mail Merge toolbar is a button with a check mark on it. Click your mouse on this button, and your data file will be compared against your master document to ensure that all your fields are correctly formatted and accessible. If Word encounters any problems (such as a missing data field in your data file), it will notify you. This allows you to correct the problem before actually trying to create your final merged documents.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1371) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Checking Your Data File.
The First and Last Word on Word! Bestselling For Dummies author Dan Gookin puts his usual fun and friendly candor back to work to show you how to navigate Word 2019. Spend more time working and less time trying to figure it all out! Check out Word 2019 For Dummies today!
If you need to include serial numbers in your printed matter (labels, letters, documents, etc.), the best way is through ...
Discover MoreThe Mail Merge tool in Word is a great way to create new, customized documents. If you are doing a lot of merging, you ...
Discover MoreWhen you merge data from Excel into a Word document, you may need to do some conditional processing based on the data you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments