Change which "normal.dot" template a word file opens

[HandyDandy]

I've noticed that when you open a word file it automatically opens up the
'normal.dot' file. Is there a way to make a file point to a different
'normal.dot' file when it's opened?

For example: if you open C:\test\word.doc it will open the normal.dot in
C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

Can this be changed so the file opens C:\temp\normal.dot ?

 

[Jay Freedman]

I've noticed that when you open a word file it automatically opens up the
'normal.dot' file. Is there a way to make a file point to a different
'normal.dot' file when it's opened?

For example: if you open C:\test\word.doc it will open the normal.dot in
C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

Can this be changed so the file opens C:\temp\normal.dot ?

Word always uses the normal.dot template in the folder named as the User
Templates location in Tools > Options > File Locations. By default that's the
Templates folder under your profile, which you mentioned.

The only way to change which folder Word looks at for normal.dot is to change
the User Templates location in the File Locations dialog -- which will also
change where it looks for all other templates.

Exactly what are you trying to achieve? If you're looking to have all the users
in a department use the same normal.dot on a network share, forget it -- read
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811468, "You cannot share the Normal.dot file
among multiple users in Word".