Access to merge documents

[SJames]

We use access as the template for merging our legal documents. My probelm is that the columns don't stay in the same order that they are entered into the database. If I put "Name" as the first column heading it might be the last column when I open the template to merge. Is there a way to lock the columns in place so they don't switch around?

[kennejd]

I'm afraid your post is a little vague...do you have some sample sql...or something to show what you've done?

[SJames]

I don't know exactly what would make it more clear. I created an Access database and attached it to our legal documents in Word. I enter each new defendant into the database and when I want to merge I tick the box next to the defendant's name. But even though I entered the names in the first column of the database when I open the database to merge and I want to find a name already in the database the "name" column which should be first in the lineup of columns has moved to another location in the lineup of columns. When I go into the database to modify it the columns are all in the original order. I can't download any of my work because, first I don't know how to post it here, and second all my data is confidential. Sorry I can't make it more understandable, I was just hoping someone else had the same problem and solved it.