I regret that I am still getting the syntax error, after
following your adice to the letter. (How can I see the
entire error message for a field BTW?)

I created my address fields, then in front of them,
INSERTed a Field of type Formula (=).

In the Formula box, I entered "={SEQ Label} + {REF MySeed}"
(no quotes). I did indeed get the Syntax Error as you
predicted. (Word inserted the outer curly braces of course.)

Then I propagated the first label to the rest.

At that point, I moved the cursor above the formula in the
first cell, and INSERTed a SET field and then an ASK field,
the syntax of which matched your example perfectly.

I then entered <CTRL>A and then <F9>. The prompt came up
asking what starting number I wanted (the default is 0). I
hit CANCEL, and the SYNTAX ERROR stayed in each label.

I have not continued past that point, as your post states
that the error should have vanished. I am using Word 2002
(Office XP).

Any advice would be very welcome.

Thanks