mailing labels using a database from Works

Question

Help! I have used Microsoft Works for years on my old computer. I used to be able to make mailing labels from databases right in Works.  I now have a new Dell 4600 that came with Microsoft Works 7.0 with Microsoft Word. Evidently, I cannot make the labels right in Works anymore. Seems I must use some kind of mail merge in Word instead. Well, I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong! When I launch Works Task Launcher and click on Mail Merge, when I click on 'Start This Task' a Word page---'selecte a document type for mail merge' opens. I then click on 'mailing labels.' So far, so good! Now I must select 'Open Data Source.' Since I don't want the addresses in my address book, I click 'merge information from another type of file'--and locate the appropriate Works database file and click on it. I then have a small window that tells me that Word is importing my data. When that stops working, a message appears: 'Microsoft Word in Works Suite.' I follow the directions given in the dialog window and then next thing I know, I am back to 'select a document type for mail merge.' All I am doing is opening page after page of blank Word labels.   Does anyone have a clue what I am doing wrong or where I can go to get some help? I tried contacting Microsoft, but they say that since this came preinstalled on my computer, they really don't offer free help. Help!

MichaelCretired · Answer

rmorse154, Thanks for using the Dell Community Forum. I was not able to find any information on this.  I'll keep this posted here and hopefully somebody will respond with something useful.

eleanor246 · Answer

Go here and search for 'mail merge' for your current version of Word, for example 2002 or 2003.

rmorse154 · Answer

Wow, thanks Eleanor! The links led me to documents that I could actually understand and follow! I sure apprecite the help! Ruth

sscamaro02 · Answer

Is there any way I can get Microsoft to change the mailing label program. I had Windows 98 in my old computer. I could print labels from a data base, using Tools and then Labels. The Works suite does not have this in it. The Mail Merge is complucated. I also used to print labels when I was in a report of a data base. I need this function. Some labels I print use different information, other than the usual address. Please help.

eleanor246 · Answer

sscamaro02 wrote:  Is there any way I can get Microsoft to change the mailing label program.  I doubt it. Your best option would be to obtain a manual covering the MS Word version you currently have.  Several national bookstore chains have these manuals at a reasonable price. Sybex publishes a book by Guy Hart-Davis titled Mastering Microsoft Works Suite , which includes the Word application.    Message Edited by eleanor246 on 11-10-2003 11:25 PM

sscamaro02 · Answer

Thanks Eleanor   Ralph

Ralph John · Answer

Adding to Eleanor's reply - Go here:

http://www.btinternet.com/~kevin.james1/Ralph.htm.

There you will find some procedures to download that will tell you how to use the databases in works suite to make labels. These are based on Works suite 2001 but should work for most works programs except the latest one in XP.

Ralph John

Barb71 · Answer

I am unable to open that file for instructions about making labels. I have Word as default word processor, but even if I open a new document in Works, I cannot read or copy the instructions.

I cannot use the Mail Merge wizard - don't understand the choices, etc.

I feel that Dell should find out about this problem of making labels, since you sold us the Works Suite. I was so easy to make labels with the old Works on my Win98.

sscamaro02 · Answer

I am having the same problem with Works Suite 2003. How can they change something that was so easy. I need to make labels from data base reports.Why do they just assume all labels will be mailing labels. I need to print labels which are not mailing labels. Can anyone be of any help here? Can't they down load a change in the program and put the labels option back under TOOLS in the data base. HELP!!!!!!!

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