Normal.dot

[Pierre]

In the past there was a defaut DOT that loaded itself automatically when
calling for a new slide. One could format this default page.
Where does it hide now with Word under XP?
Thanks
Pierre

 

[Bill Foley]

You probably have to open Windows Explorer, click the "Tools" menu and
select "Folder Options". Click the "View" TAB and change your setting to be
able to "View hidden files...". The normal.dot file should exist in:

C:\Documents and Settings\"YourName"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

 

[Pierre]

Thank you Bill,

Strange though:
The view was already to show hidden files and I found it where you
indicated, but
when I used "Search" it was not listed. Instead was the same template under
C:\MsOffice\Templates, with a date of 2001, when I was
not using the font that I use today. Is normal.dot ghosting itself in
C:\Documents and Settings\"YourName"\Application
Data\Microsoft\Templates and making a visible copy under the MsOffice folder
with the date of the template previously stored in
there as Normal.dot.

I admit I work with XP Professional, upgraded from Home edition, upgraded
from W98SE, upgraded from W95. This may account for
strange leftovers.

Regards,

Pierre

 

[Bill Foley]

My understanding is it uses the "User Templates" folder location under
"Tools", "Options", "File Locations". You could always look at the file
modification dates in Windows Explorer by clicking "View", "Details" to see
when it was last modified. Also, there is always the possibility that you
might have a "locked" normal.dot (looks like "$~normal.dot"). This happens
when the computer locks up with Word open. If so, your normal.dot global
template isn't able to update your changes because it is locked. Of course
if this happens, you should get a message when you close Word that you need
to change the file name (since it is locked).

Just some thoughts. Good luck!