Is there some critria set in the data source from within the Word document.
Does the data source show the full path so that if you are using another PC
it can still find the file
There must be a logical reason so you will have to identify the
circumstances each time it happens and that should give you the answer.

Sorry can't help more
Sheila
www.c-i-m-s.com
MS Office training - London

"havenlad" wrote:

Thanks Sheila

Using Word 2003
She can disconnect - that is the only workaround she has.
The merge has worked before, and it has failed before - it is intermittent.
(it failed when she logged into my machine)
The problem is only when she opens the document
The Excel file ihas never been moved and it is not in use elsewhere
I do have access to the machine.

Hope all that helps

"Sheila D" wrote:

usually means either that the file is not where the Word document thinks it
is or possibly already open somewhere else.

HTH - Sheila
www.c-i-m-s.com
MS Office training - London

"havenlad" wrote:

A client is having major problems doing a mail-merge. Every time I try to
open the document I get an error message stating "this operation cannot be
completed because of dialog or database engine failures. please try later"

Anybody's help would do me a huge favour

Thanks

Chris