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How to get past spinner in mail merge completion

Paul Larudee 0 Reputation points
2026-02-08T18:00:57.4533333+00:00

I have used MS Word and Excel 16.78 for Mac successfully once a year for perhaps a decade or more to complete a mailmerge project, and I'm doing it exactly the same way this year, with the same templates in Word and the same headings in Excel. But this year, when I try to complete the mailmerge, I get a spinner that won't stop, and the only way to get out is a Force Exit. Any suggestions? I've changed nothing since last year, as far as I know. Thanks.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Project | Other | Other
Microsoft 365 and Office | Project | Other | Other

Microsoft project management software used to plan, manage, and communicate a project schedule and other information among workgroup members, project managers, and other stakeholders.

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435.7K Reputation points
    2026-02-08T20:55:44.64+00:00

    Version 16.78 of Office suggests that you are running on macOS Monterey or later. If so, Office is seriously out of date. I can't provide a specific response without knowing the macOS version but this article may point you in the right direction:

    Most Recent Office You Can Run - Brandwares

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  2. AI answer

    2026-02-08T18:01:06.3533333+00:00

    If you're experiencing a persistent spinner when trying to complete a mail merge in Word on Mac, here are some suggestions to troubleshoot the issue:

    1. Check for Updates: Ensure that both Word and Excel are updated to the latest version. Sometimes, bugs are fixed in newer updates.
    2. Use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE): If your Excel data isn't being recognized properly, try using DDE to connect to the Excel worksheet. This can help retain formatting and ensure the data is correctly linked.
    3. Confirm File Format Conversion: In Word, go to File > Options > Advanced and check the option for Confirm file format conversion on open. This can help in recognizing the Excel file correctly.
    4. Test with a New Template: Sometimes, the template itself may have issues. Try creating a new mail merge template to see if the problem persists.
    5. Check Excel Data: Ensure that the data in Excel is formatted correctly. For example, if you have ZIP codes, they should be formatted as text to prevent any issues during the merge.
    6. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can sometimes resolve unexpected issues with applications.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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