Microsoft is changing the way that we do mail merges with each new version. An earlier version of Microsoft Word 2000 had a simple process for mail merging. The first step was creating your data source. It was, by default, a Microsoft Word text file with a simple table. Next was to create your main document. This can be a letter or pamphlet. The third step was adding your fields to the main file and then finally merging.
When you start a mail merge using Microsoft Word 2003 you will notice that you cannot produce a Microsoft Word document. The data source you actually create is a Microsoft Access table. To some degree, this is a good move. I’m a firm believer that all raw data should be stored in a database. This is because databases allow the user to reuse the information many times. Additionally, a database is far more reliable than a Microsoft Word document, especially when you have large amounts of data. The Microsoft Access database created via the Mail Merge Wizard contains only one table with all the fields you have specified.
Microsoft has created something quite cool. They have stored your raw data in Microsoft Access databases, which makes it possible to easily share the data with other programs in the future. It’s much easier to import data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or a commercial system such as Microsoft SQL Server from Microsoft Access. You can also filter and sort your mail data easily with the new mail merging functionality. You also have the option to use the Filter to filter and sort the data for the mail merge.
The difficulty of merging files with Microsoft Word 2003 Mail Merge is what I find most frustrating. You have to add the merge field to your document in a complicated way. In previous versions of Microsoft Word 2000 and earlier, you could just add each merge field one time to your main text. Microsoft Word 2003 requires that you open the Merge Fields Dialog box every time you wish to add a field. To add each field you need to first select the field and then insert the merge field. The dialogue will close and you’ll have to start again for each one. This is more irritating than any other thing.
Of course, we could manually enter each of the fields using the shortcut Ctrl+F9, but that too I find tedious. Microsoft will probably change this in future versions. But, I suppose only time will tell.
Overall, I think that the new Microsoft Word 2003 Email Merge Wizard is a positive development. However, for previous users of the mail merging process, it can be somewhat confusing and daunting.
Microsoft Word is a very popular office program. It offers many functions such as word processing. Web publishing can be done through Microsoft Word. Database creation can also be done using Microsoft Word. word won t open on mac It isn’t always straightforward to tap into these resources. This leaves users confused and baffled.
Do you want to know how to make use of these powerful features in the popular word processing application? Below is a list of great, free resources.
Several websites offer free tutorials. These tutorials can be quick tips or tricks, step-by-step instructions with screenshots, or video tutorials. Search Google or any other search engine to find free online training.
Computer Help Bulletin Boards and Forums
People enjoy helping. It is straightforward. Message boards are a good example of this idea. Every day, thousands log onto message boards to ask questions and receive quick, free advice. There are many messages (bulletin), boards that specialize in computer software. TekTips.com has been one of my favorites. They provide advice on virtually every software program and have users from all types of technical backgrounds. It is not necessary to join the forum or message board to post a comment, but it is very easy. There are many other computer training message forums. Just do a Google search of [software forum] to get started.
Microsoft Word TrainingCDs
While there aren’t many Word training CDs for free, there are a few. Video Professor provides a range of computer training resources, including many for the most popular word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. They offer training CDs to most Microsoft Office packages. You will receive one training CD free of charge, in the hopes you will purchase others. Google the term “video professor” to find the Video Professor.
University and College Website Searches
College and university websites are great resources for any type of computer help. There are usually instructions for staff members and faculty on how they can use computers from the most basic level to very advanced. You can also get screenshots that show you step-by-step how to perform any function. While many colleges and universities have the latest technology available, some universities have older resources. So, regardless of what version of Microsoft Word you use, there is likely to be an unpaid college resource or university resource that can provide useful information.
Microsoft Corporation’s Microsoft Word Portal. Knowledge Base
It’s always better to get information from the horse’s mouth. Microsoft Word’s portal is a great place to start learning about Microsoft Word. They provide tips and tricks, as well as information about Word.
