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Can't connect to an Excel data source

Anonymous
2010-12-20T17:03:42+00:00

I've been trying for about 3 hours and I am totally frustrated with connecting to a data source in a mail merge document in Word 2010.

I have set up the Word document to confirm the conversion.  I've used both .xls and .xlsx spreadsheet files.  I can get it to work but in such a convoluted way that it can't possibly be the correct way to do it.

I keep getting the error message: "Word could not re-establish a DDE connection to Microsoft Excel to complete the current task."

I am trying to set these files up so that a novice user can use them in my absence, but it is to the point that will not happen.  They won't be able to understand the work around that I've come up with.  If this is the only solution, I will be forced to go back to Office 2007.

I have also gotten the message from Excel that the file I'm trying to open is currently in use but the file is not open and not in use.

What am I doing wrong???

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-09-18T16:08:02+00:00

    I have read the replies on "Word could not re-establish a DDE connection to Microsoft Excel to complete the current task."

    The ONLY answer that worked for me is to have Excel "OPEN" when connecting to the data source (Excel file).  If you make sure you open Excel prior to clicking YES in Word the merge will work.

    This works in Office 2013 and assume it is good for 2010 as well.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-12-20T17:50:18+00:00

    Did you change to DDE (1) because you needed to fix formatting problems, or (2) because that was the only way you could achieve any kind of connection?

    If it is (2), some people have reported that they can only get Word 2010 to connect to Excel using the default method (OLE DB) after they have run Access 2010 once on their system.

    If you have Access and have not previously run it, I think it is worth trying, although if you have Access but your user does not, that would still be a problem.

    If it is (1), I have to say I haven't had particular problems with Office 2010, but did you even manage to make a connection once?

    FWIW I agree that it is frustrating trying to use Excel data sources in Word. None of the connection methods currently available tick all the boxes that people actually need - that has now been the case for about 8 years. 

    Peter Jamieson

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-09-17T05:43:51+00:00

    This "answer" does not help at all.  The  "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" is unchecked and I still have the same problem. 

    Please stop repeating the same answer all of the time.  That is very annoying.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2013-08-19T21:19:51+00:00

    I am experiencing the same problem as above. I have tried to change the Ignore other apps that use DDE. One day this program will work, one day it won't. I have 2010 Office and and new Windows 7 computer. I have used this same merge file for years and for some reason it is no longer working.

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  5. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 322.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2010-12-20T20:43:01+00:00

    In Excel, check the setting under File>Options>Advanced>General for "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)".  If it is checked, try unchecking it.

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