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MS Word "Ambiguous Name Detected" Message

Microsoft Word may at times display the message "Ambiguous Name Detected" during the data merge process that generates your documents for printing. The following explains why this happens and how clear the message.

Upon request from Standard Conveyancer, Word creates a temporary macro to execute other macros needed for the data merging process. This macro is normally deleted automatically upon successful completion of the process. However, if the process is interrupted and Word does not automatically delete the macro, then subsequent data merges will display the "Ambiguous Name Detected" message. This is because Word is trying to create a macro that already exists.

To clear the message, you need to clear out the "TmpDDE" or "WordTmpDDEMod1" (or higher numbered) macros as follows:

In Word XP (2002) or Word 2003:

  • Click the Tools menu, then Macro, then Macros, then Organizer.
  • In the Organizer dialog box, click on and highlight the "WordTmpDDEMod1" macro, then click Delete.

In Word 2007-2013:

  • Click the View tab on the toolbar/ribbon, then Macros, then Organizer.
  • In the Organizer dialog box, on the Macro Project Items tab, click on and highlight the "WordTmpDDEMod1" macro, then click Delete. Delete any similarly named macros as well.

While the instructions above show the differences we have seen between older and newer Word versions, if you see either "TmpDDE" or "WordTmpDDEMod_" in either the Macros or Organizer dialog box, you can delete it.

If you find this to be a recurring problem, it may indicate there is a problem with your computer or your Microsoft Word installation. Please call us if you would like to discuss this issue.