Normal.dot Template is screwed up.

[Seeker]

I am running Word 2002 in Works 2002
Win XP home SP2

A few days ago I attempted to create a merge document. It did not
work. Apparently I do not have the correct address book.

This apparently caused my "Normal.dot" template to be changed. I
probably did not pay attention to the dialog asking me if I wanted to
save changed to it.

But now all my documents are filled with merge field symbols. And the
Normal.Dot template always presents a merge symbol when I start a
document.

I have tried to edit the template, but I can't figure out how to do
it.

I have deleted the template, and re-booted, but I still have the
problem.

How can I restore the Normal.Dot template to the default setting?

And is there a way to prevent changes from being saved in the future?

Thanks

Steve

 

[fwh1]

Do a search for normal.dot making sure that you are searching in
hidden folders (Win key-F) because that's where it is. When you find
it do not double click to open it. You will open a doc made from it if
you open it this way. Right click on it and select open. The title
line should say normal.dot and not Document 1.

Make the changes you want and save. The changes will stick.

Fred

 

[Seeker]

Do a search for normal.dot making sure that you are searching in
hidden folders (Win key-F) because that's where it is. When you find
it do not double click to open it. You will open a doc made from it if
you open it this way. Right click on it and select open. The title
line should say normal.dot and not Document 1.

Make the changes you want and save. The changes will stick.

Fred

Thanks for the feedback, but it does not work.

I can see no way to remove the Merge Field symbol.

I can prevent it from being displayed by making changes in the
Tools/Options/View menu, but that does not change the fact that the
Normal.dot template has been changed.

While I am on this subject, assuming I find a way to fix this, is
there some setting I can make to prevent changes to the template from
being saved automatically?

Thanks for your help

Steve

 

[Barry Schwarz]

I am running Word 2002 in Works 2002
Win XP home SP2

A few days ago I attempted to create a merge document. It did not
work. Apparently I do not have the correct address book.

This apparently caused my "Normal.dot" template to be changed. I
probably did not pay attention to the dialog asking me if I wanted to
save changed to it.

But now all my documents are filled with merge field symbols. And the
Normal.Dot template always presents a merge symbol when I start a
document.

I have tried to edit the template, but I can't figure out how to do
it.

I have deleted the template, and re-booted, but I still have the
problem.

How can I restore the Normal.Dot template to the default setting?

And is there a way to prevent changes from being saved in the future?

Are you sure you are deleting the correct copy? Normally, deleting or
renaming normal.dot will cause Word to build a new one with only
default values. Make sure Word is closed before manipulating the
template.


Remove del for email

 

[Seeker]

Are you sure you are deleting the correct copy? Normally, deleting or
renaming normal.dot will cause Word to build a new one with only
default values. Make sure Word is closed before manipulating the
template.

Prior to the advice from the first respondent, I had done the
recommended search, including hidden files, and found several
Normal.Dot files, in three separart Documents and Settings folders,
and in a couple of folders where I save my work. I deleted ALL of
them. I then rebooted, and opened Word, and once again was confronted
with a blank document showing a merge-field symbol.

Any and all further advice gladly and gratefully received.

Steve

 

[Gerry]

...found several

Normal.Dot files, in three separart Documents and Settings folders,
and in a couple of folders where I save my work.

In that vein--
--how is it determined which NORMAL.DOT an instance of Word will actually
use?