Format Zip Codes Correctly for a Mailmerge

[BH]

In Version 2003, for a mailmerge using data in Excel, how does one format the
cells for the Zip Codes so that the Zip Code numbers starting with 0 will
appear in the word merge. For example, the Zip Code for Englewood, NJ is
07631, and if the Zip Code cells are formatted as Number, Special, General,
or even programmed in Custom, the first digit "0" does not appear in the
merge, but the only the "7631" appears. On the other hand, if the Zip Code
cells are formatted as Text, only the first digit "0" appears in the merge,
but not the remaining digits of the Zip Code.

 

[Dave Peterson]

You may want to read some tips for mailmerge.
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/mailmerg.htm
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/MailMerge

The first is from David McRitchie and the second is by Beth Melton and Dave
Rado.

And if you notice problems with the formatting of data (like zipcodes)...

Debra Dalgleish posted this:

There's an article on the Microsoft web site that might help you:

Answer Box: Numbers don't merge right in Word
http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/assistance/HA011164951033.aspx

And if you prefer the old Mail Merge helper, Word MVP Suzanne Barnhill
has instructions here:

http://sbarnhill.mvps.org/WordFAQs/CustomizingWord2002.htm

about half way down the page.

==========
I often cheat instead of racking my brain.

I'll insert another column (probably hidden!) and use:
=text(a2,"ddmmyy")
or
=text(a2,"mm:ss.0")
or
=text(a2,"00000")
(or whatever format I want)
and use that field in the mailmerge.

(Cheating doesn't bother me anymore <vbg>.)

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Dave has given you a complete answer but here is my 2 cents worth.
I did a quick experiment and did not lose the digits following the zero.
Indeed, how can the merge engine no take all the characters from a text
field?
I would make sure all the zips are formatted as text, resave the data file
with another name and start your mail merge again
best wishes

 

[BH]

Thank you all very much! The Answer Box article explained how to use DDE, and
it worked! Greatly appreciate the your suggestyionsd and help.