Speed up mail merges

Abstract

Capable 21C uses Microsoft Word (tm) for mail merging.  Due to certain factors, this mail merging can be slower than is desirable.  This article describes some options for improving mail merge performance.

Underlying challenge

The default technology used for the mail merge is called Microsoft OLE DB Jet database connectivity.  This technology can be quite fast on small databases, can also be quite slow on large databases.  The resolution section describes some techniques to improve performance.

Note that the steps described in the resolution sections below are of a technical nature, and may require the assistance of a PC Technician.

Resolution

Option 1: Don't use Microsoft Jet

1. On the standard documents shipped with Capable 21C (eg Bring Up, Recall, Birthday letters, etc), there is no option to alter the database connectivity option.  For these documents, refer to options 2 and 3.
2. Open the document using Microsoft Word.
3. Click the button on the mail merge toolbar to connect to a new data source.
4. Change the data source type to an ODBC connection.
5. Follow the prompts to create an ODBC data source to the Capable 21C database, and the required query.

Option 2: Remove any legacy references from the database

1. Open the Capable.MDB database using MS Access.
2. Press ALT-F11 to get the Visual Basic for Applications window.
3. Go to Tools|References.
4. Untick any referenced that are marked as 'MISSING'
5. Close all windows and MS Access

Option 3: Compact and Repair the database

Refer to the knowledgebase article entitled KB-Compact and Repair Database

Detailed Information

No further detail

Copyright 2008 Capable Software Pty Ltd

Training Sessions

Fundamentals Training Modules

Intermediate Training Modules

Advanced Training Modules

Other Resources

Return to Capable Software home

Contact Technical Support