"Cannot Find Reference" Errors

The "Cannot Find Reference" error occurs when you delete a RefWorks record after having used that record to insert a citation in your document. The deleted reference is usually one member of a duplicate pair, when this is the case a record for the reference (the other member of the pair) should still exist in your database. If a record for the reference/s in question is/are still present in your Refworks database, following the steps outlined below should solve the "Cannot find reference" problem:

1. The reference number/s that could not be found should be listed in the error message. Record these numbers.
2. If you are working with Write-n-Cite III, begin by using the Write-n-Cite III "Tools" menu to "Revert to WNC v.2." This makes it possible for you to edit the RefWorks code easily.
3. Either browse through your document for RefWorks code containing the first reference number (Ref ID number) of interest or use your Word processing program's "Find" feature to find the number.
4. Next to the Ref ID number in the RefWorks code, you will see the author's name and the publication year.
5. Use your RefWorks database or Write-n-Cite to search for a RefWorks record for the specified reference (a reference by the specified author published in the specified year). When you find a record for the specified reference, note the Ref ID number. (If using Write-N-Cite, you will have to click the "View" link next to the reference to see the entire record including the Ref ID number.)
6. Return to the Word document and replace all instances of the missing Ref ID number (the number RefWorks couldn't find) with the Ref ID number that you have found. Do not alter any portions of the RefWorks code other than the Ref ID number/s.
7. Save the document.
8. Repeat this process for each of the reference numbers that were included in the "Cannot Find Reference" error message.
9. If you are using Write-n-Cite III, use the Write-N-Cite III "Tools" menu to "Convert to WNC III Document."
10. Save your document.
11. Go through the Create Bibiography process to determine whether all problematic Ref ID's have been replaced. If they have, you should now have a document containing formatted citations and a bibliography.