I have a template with several from fields text and drop down. I use the mailmerge for putting the recipients address etc on the letter head as a single insertion. I have the working template but cannot protect the template when mailmerge isactivated

Mailmerges do not work with documents employing protection. Content controls can be used without protection, however. For an addin that can simulate a mailmerge with formfields, see: http://www.gmayor.com/ManyToOne.htm

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Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]