can't open a file with a merge doc inserted in it

[HugoBerg]

Pretty extreme case. I have a Word 97 file, let's call it Big_picture.doc, documenting a mail merge process. Being a nice a guy, I inserted the main merge document in Big_picture.doc to show the expected result. Now, Word crashes when I try to open Big_picture.doc. I get the feeling it crashes because my inserted file is attached to the data file it usually merges to via a macro. I tried with the data file present but it crashed again. Anyway, Big_picture.doc is loaded with macros so it's a mess to figure my way out of this.

I'm wondering about one thing: any one of you guys is familiar with the Visual Studio debugger? When Word crashes, I get the option to debug, and I can see my file in the background. When I get in the debugger, I get all the low level stuff of memory allocation and all, but I can't go back to my document active "behind" the debugger. I'd like to just see the document, so I could do a select All and copy...

TIA.

Hugo.

 

[Dreamboat]

Yuk. Visual Studio shouldn't be offering to debug, but Visual Basic for Applications should be. I think you'll get the doc open from Word XP if you know someone who has it.

Did you never send the files (separate) to someone in an email? Can you get copies from backups on a server? Anne Troy

http://www.TheOfficeExperts.com

 

[HugoBerg]

I did try the email workaround but it didn't work. As for the backup option, well let's just say the energy and time involved in such a request lead me towards rewritting the thing! That would'nt be such an effort because if I open the file as a .rtf I get my raw text. I have to redo all my formatting. Oh well. Another case for my own versions backup system!

But thanks for the advice. I will try sending the file to my brother so he can try openning it with XP. I'll keep you informed of the outcome.

Thanks again.

Hugo.