When performing MailMerge in word 2013, we click on button "select recpients list", and select an excel 2013 file under "use existing list". Within the excel file, there is a column named Date, formatted as dd/MM/yyyy.

Afterwards we click on "Insert Merge Field" to insert the Date filed into the merged file (the opened doc file). The result shows the Date value in MM/dd/yyyy format which is different from the source format dd/MM/YYYY.

We found a bypass solution on the internet, which fixes the problem, but it is required to be implemented each time we make a MailMerge operation. More details below and also a microsoft entry that suggest to use DDE.https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/320473

Of course the regional definition for date in control panel options, is dd/MM/yyyy. We would thus expect MaillMerge to comply with this format definition. In the long time that we used MailMerge until today, we've not encountered inconsistent date format. As an assumption, maybe it is due to some latest updates in windows / office that were automatically installed.

Can u please advise how to resolve the issue ?

More Details - The bypass solution

The solution is as follows :

1. right-click on the date field, choose option "edit field...",
2. on the opened window click on "Field code", "MERGEFIELD  Date" is shown,
3. add the suffix : \@  dd/MM/yyyy, then check the option
5. finally click OK to approve.

it seems by design, you might add the data format when mail merge like: \@  dd/MM/yyyy

If indeed by design, would then Microsoft User Voice should be where to address the issue ?

I think the date format is based on the region, not only relate to office, see this:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/d071e00c-0490-4f81-b482-16bb3cbcc8ca/word-2007-mail-merge-dates-showing-in-us-and-not-uk-format?forum=officeitproprevious

KR

 

• Edited by robbery kr 1 hour 34 minutes ago

Thank you for your response.

Yes of course it should relate to region, and we would expect regional settings deinitions from windows control panel, to automatically apply in this case. Buy alas they don't as explained.

As per the bypass as mentioned in the link u specified, indeed it works, but seems to require to be implemented each time a MailMerge operation is made - is this so also on your windows ?

I think the date format is based on the region, not only relate to office, see this:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/d071e00c-0490-4f81-b482-16bb3cbcc8ca/word-2007-mail-merge-dates-showing-in-us-and-not-uk-format?forum=officeitproprevious

KR

 

• Edited by robbery kr Tuesday, May 19, 2015 5:53 AM

yes, I get the same result with you. I have no other idea about this issue. others might have some solution.

KR

Thank u very much for your cooperation. Maybe others would have some solution to contribute on the subject, and if it is by design, then maybe Microsoft could relate when and how potentially expected to be resolved.

I would thus keep this post open for the moment, and track. BR.