Using Master Documents - Summary of Responses

[MWN <MNorton -at- FORMMAKER -dot- COM>]

     Some time ago I posted a question concerning the use of the master
     document feature in Word (versions 6 or 7). Here is a short summary of
     the responses I received:

     * Every response recommended avoiding the master document feature if
     at all possible.

     * Two responses recommended using the following sets of freeware
     macros instead of the master document feature.

        master11.zip
        tagger3d.zip

        from: ftp://ftp.winsite.com/pub/pc/win3/winword/

     * Several responses advised dividing the information into one file per
     chapter and generate ToCs and indexes on a chapter by chapter basis.
     You then manually combine your ToCs and indexes.

     * Several responses stated that you will have better luck with master
     documents if you have plenty of memory (like 32+mb) and plenty of free
     disk space (as in 2.5 times the total size of your Word files). It
     appears Word needs lots of resources as it tries to expand the various
     files which comprise the master document. If nothing else, you'll be
     able to reboot more quickly.

     Thanks to all who responded. I have not yet tested the macros, but
     that is the approach we will take. If you would like more information
     on these macros, contact me at mnorton -at- formmaker -dot- com and I will send
     it to you.

     Mike Norton

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