Hi. I have had problems with word mail merge. What I have just done is this...

Rename xls to another temp name.
delete contents of the original sheet and add a line of made up date.

NOW when I open the word document. I am asked to select the spreadsheet. I locate the xls document that I have now changed. Word opens up with the original data. So Word is not reading the spreadsheet it has memorised it from a previouse time.

There has to be another way around this.

Sorry this has been sorted but the text is too close to the left edge. can make a template with a larger left border as a template for new mail merge. I mean a default blank sheet. When I pick the Avery J8162, the left marge goes back to 0.47 cm.

Do you save the workbook again after you've "delete contents of the original sheet and add a line of made up date"? You must.

Mail Merge reads info from Excel file from computer disk or from network resource;
When you open an Excel file, Excel actually creates a copy of this file in your computer's memory, and everything what you do with it until you save it, is done in this copy (instance) only.