Word 2007 Formatting

[Tom F.]

Whenever I start Word to create a new document, it defaults to
"Style:Normal". I would like to set the default to "Style:No Space".

I can go to "Advanced Editing Options" and set the Default Style to "No
Space", but whenever I close and re-open Word, the default is set back again
to "Normal".

How can I set the default to "No Space" and have that setting saved?

Thanks.

 

[Joseph Meehan]

Just a guess here, but I would suggest making the change (and no
other changes) and then saving the file as a DOT (not DOC) file
[Normal.DOT]. You will need to copy that over the system (I believe hidden)
"Normal.DOT" Note I would guess 2007 has a well hidden file that may show
up and replace your new version when there is some sort of problem.

What is likely happening is the DOT (DOcument Template) file that holds
all that formatting and other information is not getting changed, and every
new document you start is based on the settings on that Normal.dot file.
When you save a file it defaults to a DOC extension so each time you start a
new document. Is that sufficiently confusing?

Right now I can't recall where that HIDDEN file is stored.
Sorry for not offering a straight simple answer, but I don't have Office
2007 on my machine.

 

[Tom F.]

WOW! Great tip Joe. The file in question was "Normal.dotm". I found and
opened it, updated the default setting, and saved it. It now works as I
like it.

Again, much thanks!!

Tom

Just a guess here, but I would suggest making the change (and no
other changes) and then saving the file as a DOT (not DOC) file
[Normal.DOT]. You will need to copy that over the system (I believe
hidden) "Normal.DOT" Note I would guess 2007 has a well hidden file that
may show up and replace your new version when there is some sort of
problem.

What is likely happening is the DOT (DOcument Template) file that holds
all that formatting and other information is not getting changed, and
every new document you start is based on the settings on that Normal.dot
file. When you save a file it defaults to a DOC extension so each time you
start a new document. Is that sufficiently confusing?

Right now I can't recall where that HIDDEN file is stored.
Sorry for not offering a straight simple answer, but I don't have
Office 2007 on my machine.

Whenever I start Word to create a new document, it defaults to
"Style:Normal". I would like to set the default to "Style:No Space".

I can go to "Advanced Editing Options" and set the Default Style to "No
Space", but whenever I close and re-open Word, the default is set back
again to "Normal".

How can I set the default to "No Space" and have that setting saved?

Thanks.

 

[Beth Melton]

I'm glad to hear you opened Normal.dotm (the Normal template) made the
change and saved it instead of replacing your Normal.dotm with an ordinary
file as suggested. Only Word can create a true Normal template which has
additional functionally a document or template you create does not have. For
example in versions of Word prior to Word 2007 your AutoText entries are
stored in the Normal template. Other elements, such as rich text AutoCorrect
entries are stored there as well. So by creating your own Normal template
you're bound to encounter other issues down the road.

Additionally, while you do have the this issue resolved to your satisfaction
the best way to remove the spacing is to change your Document Defaults. The
majority of the styles that are used by Word utilize the Document Defaults
and chances are you'll encounter the added spacing again. To modify your
Document Defaults, on the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the dialog
box launcher and open the Paragraph dialog box. Make the changes to the
Spacing, such as remove the Space After and set the Line Spacing to Single,
and then at the bottom, click the Default button, and then confirm the
changes for your Normal template.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton
What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

Guides for the Office 2007 Interface:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102295841033.aspx

WOW! Great tip Joe. The file in question was "Normal.dotm". I found and
opened it, updated the default setting, and saved it. It now works as I
like it.

Just a guess here, but I would suggest making the change (and no
other changes) and then saving the file as a DOT (not DOC) file
[Normal.DOT]. You will need to copy that over the system (I believe
hidden) "Normal.DOT" Note I would guess 2007 has a well hidden file
that may show up and replace your new version when there is some sort of
problem.

What is likely happening is the DOT (DOcument Template) file that
holds all that formatting and other information is not getting changed,
and every new document you start is based on the settings on that
Normal.dot file. When you save a file it defaults to a DOC extension so
each time you start a new document. Is that sufficiently confusing?

Right now I can't recall where that HIDDEN file is stored.
Sorry for not offering a straight simple answer, but I don't have
Office 2007 on my machine.

Whenever I start Word to create a new document, it defaults to
"Style:Normal". I would like to set the default to "Style:No Space".

I can go to "Advanced Editing Options" and set the Default Style to "No
Space", but whenever I close and re-open Word, the default is set back
again to "Normal".

How can I set the default to "No Space" and have that setting saved?

 

[Joseph Meehan]

Thanks for correcting my suggestion. I have learned a few new things
and I would suggest that anyone who has read my suggestions will read and
head your comments.

 

[Beth Melton]

We're all here to learn, Joseph.

This is one I learned the hard way years ago and it was only by accident I
figured out why I was encountering oddities in Word. I'd have rather learned
from someone else -- sure would have saved me time!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton
What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

Guides for the Office 2007 Interface:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102295841033.aspx