Are there any utilities which can convert a whole slew of MS Word docs
(approx 500) into a single PDF File, and also create a Table of
Contents from the converted files (maybe based on filename?)

I know I could use the Master Doc, feature in word, but I hear this is
not a good idea  as its not known for its ...stability  ...

Would it be a bit easier to concatenate the word docs into a large one, then
create a TOC and then produce the PDF?  For a good source for PDF software
info go to www.pdfzone.com and check into the buyer's guide.  Most vendors
provide detailed descriptions, pricing and application information for you
to review.  One product you might want to check is ABC Amber, I'm using it
to create indexed and hyperlinked PDF files from Windows .chm (help) files.
Good luck.


Larry T. 

Thanks, I'll check that program out...

thats what we have now, a 25 plus meg file, which is changed
frequently,  and one small enter in the wrong place, or font change
tends to result in a ton of calls to the tech support dept (ME!!! GRIN)

I'm just thinking that it would be easier for the administrative asst
if she could work on individual files

Hi Bruce

bruce.ruona@gmail.com wrote:
> Thanks, I'll check that program out...
> 
> thats what we have now, a 25 plus meg file, which is changed
> frequently,  and one small enter in the wrong place, or font change
> tends to result in a ton of calls to the tech support dept (ME!!! GRIN)
> 
> I'm just thinking that it would be easier for the administrative asst
> if she could work on individual files

OK, now we're getting a bit off-topic here, but let's try. You have 
maybe 4 possible paths to compile such a "large" file:

1. Use really one large file (that's what you do right now it seems :-)).

2. Use the MasterDocument feature (something that is highly discouraged 
unless you know very well what you are doing, don't try to change 
anything in a Subdocument directly through the Master, should only be 
used with a fire-and-forget copy of the files, i.e. is typically a 
no-option).

3. You use INCLUDETEXT-fields for simulating a Masterdocument. You work 
on the individual files, and whenever you need the whole beast, you 
create a new document based on a template containing not much else than 
those fields to all the files. The template could even contain an 
AutoMacro that instantly unlinks the fields into normal text.

4. You leave everything in individual files and use RD-fields to compile 
a TOC, index, etc. A neat feature in itself, but it leaves you in 
ensuring that all relevant numbering sequences (page numbering, outline 
numbering of headings, etc.) must be in order before you start.

It's pick and choose for you. Expect some time to come up with a 
feasible solution for "everyday" users. Giving someone without serious 
training access to a file that large is not something I'd be looking 
forward to ...

Greetinx
Robert
-- 
  /"\  ASCII Ribbon Campaign |   MS
  \ /                        |  MVP
   X        Against HTML     |  for
  / \     in e-mail & news   | Word