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Posted by DJ Mikey Mike on Jul-23-2008 10:57:

Quick Parts in Word 2007

If a user uses 'Quick Parts' to insert a passage of text into multiple documents, does anyone know if it's possible to update this entry at a later date and have all documents it's been used in update as well?

In case I've not explained that very well, an example: If I use 'Quick Parts' to insert my company address into several documents, is it then possible to amend just one of the documents with a new address and have all others update too?

The reason I ask is that I've recently sent a user on a training course and the instructor seemed to think this was possible - However, he didn't actually show her how. I've been having a quick play myself and can't see any indication that this is even possible. Anyone have any ideas?

Cheers.

Posted by basd on Jul-23-2008 12:18:

Don't have experience with this myself but logically I'd say it's not possible. From what I've read, Quick Parts is nothing more than a fancy Clipboard (but hey, that doesn't sound too marketable, now does it?) and you literally copy and paste stuff to and from it. If you update a copy of a QP that is in a document, it does not automatically update the original QP that is in the QP container (if that does make sense). Therefore it will not update the other copies of the QP's in other documents. You would need somewhat permanent links between documents and the QP container for that, plus a way to keep these links even when you move or rename documents.

As the description of QP on the MS website wasn't even going that far, I'd say no go.

Posted by itsamemario on Jul-23-2008 13:37:

if the "quick part" is from a database, yes you can do it.

Posted by DJ Mikey Mike on Jul-23-2008 14:29:

quote:
Originally posted by basd
Don't have experience with this myself but logically I'd say it's not possible. From what I've read, Quick Parts is nothing more than a fancy Clipboard (but hey, that doesn't sound too marketable, now does it?) and you literally copy and paste stuff to and from it. If you update a copy of a QP that is in a document, it does not automatically update the original QP that is in the QP container (if that does make sense). Therefore it will not update the other copies of the QP's in other documents. You would need somewhat permanent links between documents and the QP container for that, plus a way to keep these links even when you move or rename documents.

As the description of QP on the MS website wasn't even going that far, I'd say no go.

I'd pretty much reached the same conclusion from my quick play with it. The only reason why I've not dismissed the idea so quickly is because the instructor who told her this could be done was an MS certified teacher who I've worked with before - and so can vouch for him 'knowing his shit.' I just wish she'd asked to be shown, grrr.

Posted by gehzumteufel on Jul-23-2008 21:56:

The problem with the thought that this could work, is that MS Office documents only update when opened. Not that the guy doesn't know his shit, but if the document is never opened before it is sent, the update won't happen either.