Can't open document in mail merge when already open

The frustration of trying to open a document in Mail Merge when it's already open!

This issue can occur when the document is already open in another application or in a different instance of Microsoft Word. Here are a few solutions to help you resolve this issue:

  1. Close the document in other applications: If you have the document open in another application, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or any other PDF viewer, close it before trying to open it in Mail Merge.
  2. Close all instances of Microsoft Word: Sometimes, having multiple instances of Microsoft Word open can cause issues. Try closing all instances of Microsoft Word, and then try opening the document in Mail Merge again.
  3. Use the "Open in new window" option: When you try to open the document in Mail Merge, right-click on the document and select "Open in new window" (or "Open in new instance" in older versions of Microsoft Word). This will open the document in a new instance of Microsoft Word, allowing you to use it in Mail Merge.
  4. Use the "Browse" button to select the document: Instead of trying to open the document directly in Mail Merge, use the "Browse" button to select the document. This will allow you to choose the document from the file explorer, and then open it in Mail Merge.
  5. Check for any add-ins or plugins: Sometimes, add-ins or plugins can interfere with Mail Merge. Try disabling any add-ins or plugins you have installed, and then try opening the document in Mail Merge again.
  6. Try restarting Microsoft Word: If none of the above solutions work, try restarting Microsoft Word and then try opening the document in Mail Merge again.

If you're still experiencing issues, you can try searching for more specific solutions or seeking help from Microsoft Support or a Microsoft Word expert.