Error: The OpenDataSource Method or Property Is Not Available

Problem

When trying to run a merge, the error message, “The OpenDataSource Method or property is not available because this command is not available for reading” appears. The merge document opens, however, it returns no data.

Cause

Microsoft Word 2013 and above sometime defaults to opening a document in read only mode. The data cannot be written into the merge because Word does not allow editing in read only mode.

Solution

Change default settings in Word:

1. Open a Word document
2. Open Word options from the File toolbar
3. On the bottom of the General tab uncheck the box that says “Open e-mail attachments and other uneditable files in reading view.” This will prevent Word from opening in read only view, therefore the data will merge.