One core document, inside several different documents

[lauryn]

Hello everyone,

I would really like some advice about how to handle a Word document
issue. I am using Word 2000.

The scenario:
We have a series of handbooks, written in Word, for different groups
of people: our managers, senior associates, partners, and interns.
Part of each handbook should be exactly the same. Other parts of each
handbook will be written differently, tailored for its audience.
Ideally, we'd like a "core document" that we could insert in each
handbook. If we changed the core document, the content of each
individualized workbook would also change.

Intern handbook: <individualized pages written for interns> <core
document> <more pages for intern handbook>
Parter handbook: <individualized pages writen for partners> <core
document> <more pages for partner handbook>
....etc.


I have read about master documents and subdocuments and I am praying
that this is not my solution. They sound horrible from scanning recent
posts. I don't think I want anything to do with permissions,
corruption, etc. These are not long documents, anyway. I don't have
several chapters or anything like that. Please tell me there's a
different solution, and hopefully with a shorter help section.

Thank you very very much for any advice or suggestions,

Lauryn.

 

[Greg Maxey]

Lauryn,

You might be able to apply an IncludeText field in the various booklets.

Say your core document is saved as C:\Company Handbook\Core Material.doc

In the Intern document you could have:

Interns are paid to watch and listen but never speak. Blah, blah

The the include text field { IncludeText "C:\\Company Handbook\\Core
Material.doc }

More pages for interns.

The field code brackets are entered with CTRL+F9. After you enter the field
code, right click and press update field. You must update the field again
after making changes to the core material document.

 

[lauryn]

Hi Greg,
Thanks! That worked out well. Do you know of a way where the info
automatically updates itself? Otherwise, this is great.

thank you again,
Lauryn.

 

[Greg Maxey]

Lauryn,

Haven't had time to verify, but I think you can use Insert>Object (the
object being your Word Core document file) and then have links set to update
when Word opens (Tools>Options>General).