When I attempt to perform a mail-merge in MS Works 6, I get the
following error message: "Works cannot open the mail-merge list you
selected. The file may be damaged or it may be in a file format that
Works does not support."
This is an unfamiliar error message — it has never come up before. If
I open a blank Microsoft Works Word Processor Document, click on
INSERT, click on DATABASE FIELD, I get this error message.
The same is true if I click on TOOLS, then MAIL MERGE, then OPEN DATA
SOURCE, I get the same error message.
How do I correct this?

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Clarification of Question by qwerty5283-ga on 16 Nov 2002 15:58 PST

I've tried everything suggested in the comment and nothing helped.
Victor

Works (or a component there-in) has probablt become corrupted.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;180027

outlines the reinstallation process:

Troubleshooting: How to Remove and Reinstall a Program
The information in this article applies to:

* Microsoft Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q180027
SUMMARY
When you experience a problem with a Microsoft program, you may need
to reinstall the program to troubleshoot issues that can be caused by
missing or damaged files. When you reinstall the program, you may be
presented with the following installation options:

    * Reinstall
* Remove All

The Reinstall installation option reinstalls missing program files,
but does not recopy program files that already exist on your hard
disk. Damaged files, system files, and program-supplied fonts are not
recopied when you choose the Reinstall option.

The Remove All installation option removes all of the program's files,
including damaged files, but does not remove any files you created
using the program. This option enables you to reinstall all the
program files.
MORE INFORMATION
To reinstall a program, run the Setup program from the program disks
or CD-ROM. Instructions about how to install the program are printed
on the disks or the CD-ROM jewel case insert. If the program is
designed for Windows 95, you can also reinstall the program by using
the following steps:

   1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
   3. Click the program you want to reinstall, and then click
Add/Remove.

If the problem continues to occur after you reinstall the program,
first remove, and then reinstall the program by using the following
steps:

   1. Run the Setup program from the program disks or CD-ROM, or run
the Setup program using the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel
as described in steps 1-3 above.
   2. Click Remove All. If you are prompted to confirm the removal,
click Yes.
   3. Restart the computer.
   4. Run ScanDisk to check the hard disk for lost clusters and
errors, and to test the integrity of the hard disk. To run ScanDisk,
use the following steps:

         1. Click Start, and then click Run.
         2. In the Open box, type scandisk, and then click OK.
         3. Click the hard disk you want to check for errors.
         4. Under Type Of Test, click Thorough, and then click Start.

            NOTE: If you have more than one hard disk installed in
your computer, run ScanDisk on each hard disk.
   5. If the program is installed from a CD-ROM, gently wipe the
underside of the CD-ROM with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any
fingerprints, smudges, or dust.
   6. Reinstall the program.

NOTE: Any custom program options or preferences you have selected may
be removed if you follow these steps. However, any documents you have
created using the program are not removed if you remove and reinstall
the program.