Word to Excel Merge connection failing

In mail merge, when I attempt to select the excel file, it brings up a window
called "Data Link Properties." When I click "test connection" it gives themessage "Test
connection failed because of an error in initializing provider. Catastrophic
failure." This causes word to shut down.

Any ideas on a fix appreaciated.. Thx Russ - Russell.Neuman @ lfg.com

Solved - by within Word - doing Tools - Options - General - marking the checkbox confirm conversion at time of open.