VB Word Mailmerge dilemma

Using VB, I've created a mailmerge document using an ODBC DSN as my datasource (which I found easier that opening Word and entering the information). Anyway,here's the problem: When I open the document I get the message "Word could not merge the main document with the data source because the data records were empty or no records matched your query options". Duh, I know this. My (temporary) database is empty. I don't need this message because I'm developing an automated Word app. I don't want the users to see this message when opening a document for editing. My app will take care of merging the data later on!
I've tried to use "Appcliation.displayalerts=wdAlertsNone" in my AutoOpen subroutine in my documents and also in AutoExec in Normal.dot. Can the message be disabled? Thanks to all who respond.