Password protected template

[Jason Reichenbach]

I have a template that I have protected from modification by a password. No
password on open to read. All fine.

However, when opening or creating a document based on this template, users
are presented with a dialog asking for the *template* password, or to open it
R/O. Selecting R/O is fine, they can go ahead and edit their documents.

But I'd like this prompt to not even show up... just open the template R/O
with no prompt to the user.

Can this be done?

Using Word 2003.

Thanks.