Frequently asked questions

• What are the benefits of DocTo?
• What are the features of DocTo?
• What types of document can I produce with DocTo?
• How is DocTo better than a Word mail-merge?
• Can I try DocTo before I buy it?
• What do I need to run DocTo?
• How do I obtain DocTo?
• How do I install DocTo?
• How do I start DocTo?
• How can I pay for DocTo?
• What can I do about macro security messages ?
• How can I get help with DocTo?
• What documentation is available for DocTo?
• How can I request new features for DocTo?
• Why does my output document have Xs and #s?

What are the benefits of DocTo?

• DocTo provides an easy way to create documents by combining data from multiple sources.
• DocTo improves the speed with which documents can be created.
• DocTo avoids the potential errors associated with rekeying data.
• DocTo improves personal productivity.
• DocTo improves the consistency of documents by providing templates for repeated use.
• DocTo improves the quality of documents by ensuring providing control over the inclusion or removal of text.

What are the features of DocTo?

• Simple installation.
• Simple interface via Word toolbar.
• Access to all fields of Outlook contact items.
• User dialog to gather additional data.
• Validation to check format and content of user supplied data.
• Access to data in other Word documents using bookmark or table lookup.
• Access to data in Excel spreadsheets using range and table lookup.
• Ability to include or exclude areas of document depending on value of data.
• Ability to set document properties.
• Ability to provide diagnostic information.
• Includes sample templates for a wide range of uses.

What types of document can I produce with DocTo?

Almost all types of business and personal correspondence and documents.

• Letters in corporate house style.
• Reports in corporate house style.
• Proposals to clients.
• Invoices.
• Credit notes.
• Acknowledgements to contacts.
• Responses to contacts.
• Unpaid bill reminders.
• Tender acknowledgements.
• Job applications.
• Personal letters.

How is DocTo better than a Word mail-merge?

• DocTo provides a cleaner interface to mail merge (with simpler forms) and to document tailoring (with simple controls).
• DocTo allows you to tailor the interface for gathering user supplied input, with prompts, selection lists and defaults.
• DocTo can validate user input using a wide range of conditions and criteria
• DocTo can be configured with your personalisation and preferences.
• DocTo can access multiple Outlook contacts in multiple mail stores.
• DocTo can search subfolders within Outlook contacts folders.
• DocTo can process Outlook mailing distribution lists.
• DocTo provides access to data in other Word documents and Excel spreadsheets.
• DocTo can set document property values.
• DocTo templates can be easily applied to different data sources.

Despite all these plus points, there still be times when a simple mail merge is all you need.  But not many.

Can I try DocTo before I buy it?

You can run DocTo for a 21-day trial period without making any pre-payment.

What do I need to run DocTo?

DocTo runs under Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000, with Microsoft Office XP and Office 2000.

To download DocTo you will need access to email and the ability to receive attachments.

To install DocTo you will need to copy a file to the folder defined in the Microsoft Word option File locations/Startup.

How do I obtain DocTo?

Fill in the form on the DocTo web site, supplying your name and your email address.

This will send an email to the DocTo site, which will respond with an email to you to confirm the request.

When you have confirmed the request the DocTo site will send you a second email with your trial product registration details, the DocTo files and full instructions.

How do I install DocTo?

You will need to save the attachment, unzip it, copy a file to the Word Startup folder, then start DocTo and enter the product registration details.

How do I start DocTo?

DocTo appears as a toolbar and a toolbar button within Word.

How can I pay for DocTo?

You can pay using the secure BuyNow service provided by PayPal. This accepts major credit cards and debit cards.

What can I do about macro security messages?

You can run the standard Office self certification program to define a digital signature, then apply this to the DocTo toolbar.

How can I get help with DocTo?

You can contact the DocTo support line using the web site, by email, or by telephone.

What documentation is available for DocTo?

The documentation includes a Word document which contains a full description of the DocTo facilities, instructions, and options, together with examples and sample outputs.

How can I request new features for DocTo?

The DocTo support line welcomes suggestions for new features. You can contact the DocTo support line using the web site, by email, or by telephone.

Why does my output document have Xs and #s?

This is because the DocTo trial period has expired. You will need to upgrade to a full licence to get back to normal.