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In which folder is the Word database?

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Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -  
 SOLARIS.inst -
Hello,

It's not easy to explain in object what I want.

I created a mail merge in Word. I transferred the mail merge template to my other computer via USB, but I can't open it because the database I created is not attached to the Word template I'm using for the mailing.
Where can I retrieve this database? And is it possible to recover it?
I specify that it's a database that comes from the Word document, and not one that was created in Excel or Access.

Thank you

JC

Configuration: Windows XP / Firefox 3.6.13

8 answers

  1.
    Raymond PENTIER Posted messages 58220 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   17 486
     
    It is created with Word, but it is of Access type and therefore has a .mdb suffix.
    If you did not take the precaution to specify the location where it should have been stored (you should have chosen the same directory as your letter), Word placed it in "My Data".
    --
    Retirement is great! Especially in the Caribbean ... :-)
    ☻ Raymond ♂
    0
  2. Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   113
     
    Hello Raymond

    Let’s say I let Word do its thing. I went through “select recipients” and then I clicked on “create a new list”. Do you see the path I took, Raymond? I didn't create a list using Excel or Access. I let it go as I said. And I also know that this list is automatically created on Access with the extension “.mdb”. So, I think it’s a bit better explained this time.
    So where is it?

    Have a nice day.
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  3. Patrice33740 Posted messages 8400 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   1 784
     
    Hello,

    To find the location of the data source in Word 2003:
    Use the Data Form command.

    If it is not visible, customize the Mailings & Merge toolbar, add the Data Form command.

    Then, with the Data Form, display the source.

    File/Properties allows you to find the exact location of the file.

    I could not find the equivalent in Word 2007.
    --
    Best regards
    Patrice
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  4. Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   113
     
    Hi Patrice,

    I went to find the .mdb file in "my data sources" on the explorer. I downloaded it onto a USB stick.
    As soon as I connect to my other computer, I'll transfer this data and see if it works.
    But I think you're right.

    For now, I'm closing this as resolved, because anyway this file will not be anywhere else.

    Thank you.
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    1. Patrice33740 Posted messages 8400 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   1 784
       
      According to what you say, your database would be a Word file, so it is a .doc or .docx.
      With 2007, use the search function of the explorer with the visible part of the name of the source that you find in "Edit the recipient list."
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    2. SOLARIS.inst
       
      Type "winword" in the search bar, right-click to open the file location, and you will find the folder where Word is installed with all its components.
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  6. Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   113
     
    I read in a book that by creating "the recipient list" as I did, Word created an Access database, which explains this .mdb file.
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    1. Patrice33740 Posted messages 8400 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   1 784
       
      It indeed depends on the method used to create the recipient list, and you did not specify how you did it.

      At step 3 of the wizard,
      - if you choose Create from an existing list / Browse, you can use different types of files (Word, Excel, Access, ...)
      - if you choose to enter a new list / create, Word then creates an Access database.
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  7. Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   113
     
    Ok Raymond and Patrice

    I'm sorting all this out. And then I tried to retrieve the database (.mdb) from my data sources. But on the other computer, it simply won't open because I don't have Access installed.
    Anyway, what I've understood is that I need to install the text with the database together.
    I'll practice that again.

    Thank you
    0
    1. Raymond PENTIER Posted messages 58220 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   17 486
       
      "But on the other computer, it simply won't open because I don't have Access installed"

      You don't need to open the database: You just specify the file name in Browse, and Word takes care of the rest... The presence of the Access software is not required.
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  8. Mots croisés Posted messages 3059 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   113
     
    Ok Raymond

    It's all resolved (for what I need)

    Thank you
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  9. Raymond PENTIER Posted messages 58220 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   17 486
     
    Crosswords,
    Regarding your post #4, I advised you in post #1 to place your text and your database together "you should have chosen the same directory as your letter". Adopt this reflex whenever a mail merge might be moved.
    Regarding your post #6, this is indeed what I indicated to you (except that I mentioned "My data" instead of "My data sources").

    Patrice33740,
    Regarding your post #5, it is not the database but the base document that is saved in .doc format!
    Regarding your post #7, it is rather rare to find a Word file when you do Create from an existing list/Browse ...

    Best regards to both of you.
    --
    Retirement is great! Especially in the Caribbean ... :-)
    ☻ Raymond ♂
    -1