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Step 1 - What is the "Normal.dot" Template ?

The Normal.dot template is the basis for any new blank documents you create.

If you start with a new document and make changes you will not be able to save it as your Normal.dot template.

Normal.dot is a special global template created and used by Word and should be in the User Templates folder.

Always open the original file using (File > Open)

Whenever you create a new document by clicking (File > New) a copy of the file called normal.dot is created and is presented as a new document.

Normal.dot is the one file that is always open when Word is running.

If you change something in the Normal.dot then all new documents will reflect those changes.

If Word is unable to find your Normal.dot file or it is damaged then a new one will be created using the default settings.

Step 2- What is this template used for ?

Your personal toolbar configuration which is only available on your computer is stored in the Normal.dot.

Unlike other global templates, it should not be shared. Also unlike other global templates, it shares styles with all open documents.

The normal template includes 90+ built in styles and built in autotext entries.

As you work, any new styles, autotext entires, macros or other customisations are stored in the Normal template unless you intentionally choose a different template and therefore the longer you work with Word the more personalised your Normal teplate becomes.

It is much simpler and safer to store your own custom macros in a different template and then to make this a global template.

Step 3 - Location

This template can be found in the following place:

This can be found by opening (Tools > Options)(File Locations tab). Select the "User templates" item in the list and press the Modify button.

Word 2003 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Word 2002 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Word 2000 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Windows NT 4.0 - C:\Winnt\Profiles\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Windows 95 and 98 - C:\Windows\Profiles\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\ (when user profiles are not enabled)

Windows 95 and 98 - C:\Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\ (when user profiles are not enabled)

Word 97 -

Step 4 - Customising your Normal.dot

You can change the styles etc

You can also change the menus, toolbars, views, fonts anything ??

Step 5 - Things to Remember

This template always exists and will be created automatically.

Your Normal template is often the most likely target for macro viruses and should therefore be backed up regularly.

This template can be a very good place to store very simple macros.