Word Maps network drives

[scd]

In the office I work in we have 300 users and all are having this issue. We
use Workgroup Templates which are mapped to S:\03WordTemplates. When a user
tries to access through File ----> New -----> On my Computer it takes 22
seconds to open the Templates window and we have discovered it maps 4 network
drives with the same name as our S: drive which is Shares.

I hope someone knows where I can configure this so it doesn't do this.

 

[Terry Farrell]

Don't use mapped drives: Word hates them. You must use UNC addresses. So
delete the mapped drives and then in Word, set the path in File Locations
for Workgroup templates using the UNC format
servername//drive:/folder/workgroup folder

 

[scd]

I have tried a UNC path before but Word will not let me input one in when I
go to Options ---> File Locations. It looks like it looks for a folder. The
only way I can get a UNC path to work is if I replace the registry key values
for "SharedTemplates". A UNC path also maps 4 drives like the previous
method. Is there a macro or batch file that runs when you go File ----> New
---> On my computer which maps drives when attempting to open the file
location? If there is a macro or batch file for "On my computer" where is it
located and how can I change it? Also I must add that every user is mapped to
the "SHARES" drive which is S:\ which gets added through group policy when a
system boots on the network.

 

[Terry Farrell]

Of course it looks for a folder and not a template. The Workgroup templates
should be in a folder of the server and that is where you point Workgroup
Templates. Then when you select File | New, you can see the templates
listed. What else are you trying to do?

I don't see that you need a macro for anything. If Word is installed with
the Workgroup file location set using a UNC path pointing to the server
location, macros are not needed. Nor is there any need to edit the registry.
You probably need to map the User Documents to the server too.

Terry

 

[Beth Melton]

Word doesn't map network drives, it only shows you the drives that are
mapped. Have you tried disconnecting those drives that are mapped
incorrectly? You mentioned in another reply that you use a group policy, has
that been investigated for errant drive mappings?

~Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP

 

[scd]

Can you give me the instructions to add a Workgroup Template folder in Word
2003 as I am unable to do so.

Thanks.

 

[scd]

How do you add a UNC through File Locations in Word 2003

Thanks.

 

[Terry Farrell]

On the server, create a folder called something logical. Place all the group
templates in the folder.

Terry

 

[Terry Farrell]

Go to Tools | Options | File Locations, select Workgroup Templates, then
MODIFY. Windows Explorer will open. Navigate your way to the new workgroup
folder on the server but IGNORING any mapped drives. That's it. Simple.
Nothing to it. If you cannot do this, ask your network administrator.

Terry