Why can't I change Normal.dot?

[Stuart Grantham]

I have tried to change Normal.dot according to the online help instructions.
The trouble is that every time I try to save my changes I get an error
message that says I can't change on open file.

Incidentally, the online help suggests that I will find Templates in
......../user/application data/microsoft/templates
but the application data folder never appears in the "my documents" dialogue
box.

Any ideas?

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

It is not under "my documents"; It is under

c:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

Use File>Open with the Files of type set to All Word Documents or Document
Templates and navigate to that folder and open the Normal.dot template to
make your changes.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[redbeard419]

Easier way to locate and open normal.dot

Windows key-F to find it
When you find it DO NOT double click on it to open. You will open a doc
based on the template, NOT the template.
Right click and go to Open

You have now opened the original and any changes you make will stick.

Fred

 

[redbeard419]

I forgot to add that you must set the criteria to search in Hidden
Folders for this to work.

Fred

 

[Stuart Grantham]

Thanks Doug, but even when I look in Explore and go through Documents and
Settings to get to [User Name] the first folder listed is Cookies, not
Application Data.

It is not under "my documents"; It is under

c:\Documents and Settings\[User Name]\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

Use File>Open with the Files of type set to All Word Documents or Document
Templates and navigate to that folder and open the Normal.dot template to
make your changes.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

I have tried to change Normal.dot according to the online help
instructions.
The trouble is that every time I try to save my changes I get an error
message that says I can't change on open file.

Incidentally, the online help suggests that I will find Templates in
......./user/application data/microsoft/templates
but the application data folder never appears in the "my documents"
dialogue
box.

Any ideas?

 

[Stuart Grantham]

Thanks Fred for your prompt reply.

Using your method I have been able to solve the problem.

Thanks again,

Stuart