I have a database of test questions where there are separate fields for
"stem," "answera," and so on. Some of the questions are in the older
style with Roman numerals I., II., III. and IV. These are also separate
fields in the database. But if the question does not have Roman
numerals then the Roman numeral fields will be empty.

When I merge I have to specify the merge like this:

*<stem>
I.&<romannumerali>
II.&<romannumeralii>
III.&<romannumeraliii>
IV.&<romannumeraliv>
(A)&<answera>
(B)&<answerb>
(C)&<answerc>
(D)&<answerd>
line space

Let me explain why there are some odd things in the above merge. First,
the * in the stem line is to do a search after the merge and 1) apply a
different style (because the merge can apply a style, but only one
style to the whole thing) and, 2) apply paragraph numbering just to the
selected lines.

Second, I will search (in this order) for IV.&, III.&, II.& and I.& and
in the search window append $ (end of line) so that only lines that
have no text will be selected (lines whose Roman numeral fields were
empty). Then I need to delete the selected text *and the entire line as
well*. I can delete the text by replacing with nothing, but how can I
do a search and replace that will delete the line as well?

Third, I will search and replace on & and replace with a tab, and
finally I will search for "line space" and delete the text so there is
a blanml line between questions.

The reason I must do it this way is because you cannot add certain
things in the merge window - e.g. tabs. Also you cannot autonumber the
records as they are merged. Therefore, I have to fix things after the
merge. And I will macro the above procedures so that every time I have
to format an exam I can write the query, merge the questions, run the
macro, and I'm ready to print.

I think I can handle it all except for deleting the lines where the
Roman numeral fields were empty. Does anyone know how to do that with a
search and replace?

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