Replies

Thanks for the suggestion, Hans.

I did look at the data, but not at closely as I probably should have before I posted my question here. Let’s hope the solution is that simple! (Not that bad data is a good thing, but in this case I wouldn’t mind–it’s my boss’s database so I wouldn’t have to feel guilty.)

Thanks again, Hans. That’s good to know, although I don’t belive misery really does love company.

Anyway, this seems like a good time for me to tell you what a valuable resource Woody’s Lounge is for me. As I said, my employer’s involvement with software ends with installation, so users are on our own as far as learning to use it and solving any problems we run into. For years, I’ve turned to the Lounge and its helpful denizens when I can’t figure out something for myself. And you, Hans, have helped me many times, even though you don’t know it. So here’s a smiley for you:

Thanks for the suggestion, Hans.

My current solution is to replace the “of X” field by typing in the total number of pages prior to converting the file to PDF.

Neither workaround solves the problem, though, and each creates problems of its own. I guess I was hoping that I was doing something wrong so that I could simply learn to do it correctly, but it looks like I’m just not lucky enough to be wrong.

You are my hero!

Records | Remove Filter/Sort was just the ticket. I hoped it would be something as simple as that! Thank you so much for your quick answer.

The cell is composed of a series of eight word fields (if…then…else statements) and merge fields. Paraphrased example:
{If mergefield “X” is not blank, insert hard return} {mergefieldX}{If mergefield “Y” is not blank, insert hard return} {mergefieldY}{If mergefield “Z” is not blank, insert hard return} {mergefieldZ} etc.

The idea is that if X, Y, and Z all contain data, each set of data will display on a new line instead of running together, like this:

The data from X
The data from Y
The data from Z

instead of

The data from X The data from Y The data from Z

I’m merging from an Access database. There are no other Word tables involved. Each merge field represents the data in a separate cell in the Access table.

I’m afraid I don’t understand your suggestions about manipulating the source material (converting it to text or bookmarking it). Could you explain it further?

Thanks.

Excellent suggestion, Samantha. Unfortunately, when I checked the table properties, everything seems to be set correctly.

Interestingly, you can see in the attached screenshot that when I highlight the cell, it actually does seem to run beneath the cell to its right.

I’ve decided that there is no solution to this problem and that the workaround will be to manipulate the merged document. (Big sigh.)

Thanks for your help.

This last screen shot is of the merged document, showing how the text won’t wrap within the cell.

I took some screen shots to illustrate what I’m trying to describe. This one is of the merge “master” document.

I appreciate your help.

Here’s screen shot #2 (also of the merge “master” document).

UPDATE:

I tried performing the merge to see what the output would look like. What appeared to be a new row was the result of the merge fields being too large for the column width. After merging, there was no new row, and all the data was in the correct column. In other words, it worked the way it was supposed to.

BUT the text doesn’t wrap, or even scroll. It seems to disappear under the next column to the right. The right indent indicator for the cell is fine.

I am becoming more and more perplexed. (By “perplexed” I mean “apoplectic” but I’m trying to be polite. )

Thanks.

Did you open it the second time on a different computer from the one you created it on? Or had you changed default printers? Word will “adjust” formatting (including fonts and margins) to suit the default printer of the computer the file is opened on.

Unfortunately, the only selections under “Publication” are Brochure, Directory, Manual, and Thesis.

Thanks for the link. I’ll suggest that she check it out to see if there’s anything there she can use.

Sigh. My job is all about document control. Unfortunately, my department’s request for document management software was turned down for last year’s budget, and chances are slim to none for this year. I get by (barely) with an Access database for tracking the documents, but we really need a full-blown document management system.

Perhaps this new file-sharing problem will add weight to my wimpering that we do *need* the software. Thanks!

Thanks, Andrew. I’ve often seen those ~tilde files in directories, but I never knew what they meant. I assumed it was part of the automatic backup system or something. That’s very interesting, and good to know.

The macro you suggested might be a fairly simple solution to the problem; I’ll pass the word along.

I appreciate your help!

Thanks, Echo. I’ve printed that out; I haven’t yet figured out if it applies in my situation, but it may be worth a try!