date formats when using mail merge

[Guest]

My database uses the UK regional settings therefore all dates are formatted in English UK order
there is a problem when using the mail merge facility allocating appointment dates as these come up in American format when displayed although the underlying data is is the correct format. I can't find any other way of altering the format of the display. Can anyone help please?

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

I believe you can use some formatting in word, but I don't know how!

So, simply build a query in ms-access,a nd use that IN PLACE of the table.

You can then add a column to your query that formats the date anyway you
want.

In the query builder, you could type in for example:

ukDateformat([TheDateField],"dd/mm/yyyy"))

With the format, you can even have the date spelled out as full text.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for this but the formatting in the query is perfect it only changes when merged with word. Word is also set up to recognise the regional settings but auromatically changes the format in the document. It's more irritating than anything else. Thanks again

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

Well, if you build that query, then it should work.

By using the format command, you will FORCE the format, and word will NOT
change the format. In fact, word will receive a string, and NOT a date type
filed.

So, even if the default date is displaying correct in ms-access, likely some
setting in word is changing this.

It is for this reason I am suggesting to make a column, and force the format
as I explained.

This will fix this problem, REGARDLESS of how ms-access displays the date,
and EVEN if ms-access is displaying the date correctly! So, if you use the
format command, then it should work.

So, once again, try my suggestion.

I accept the idea or concept there may be some other approach to fixing this
problem, but using format is certainly one way to force this issue, and not
bother, or even have to look for another solution.

Another possible solution is to give my word merge code example a try. It
has a working example, and it also avoids ANY conversion by word. Check out
the example at:

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.html

-
Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP)
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn