Normal.dot problems (WNT)

[Mancinni]

After i close word the first time I use the application after a reboot, it prompts me if I want to save the settings to my Normal.dot file, if you do not save it will prompt you the next time, I thought it was an option under tools/options, but it isnt ive tried that, can anyone help pls.

[Jama]

According to Microsoft you should receive these error messages when you quit Word not when start it, but never the less, they suggested a fix that I think will work for you.
If you performed a local installation of Word 2000 so that the local installation of Word is shared by several people who use the same computer, you may have problems with the way the Normal.dot file is managed.

First, you must insure that each user uses his/her own copy of Normal.dot. you do that by specifying the path to the User Templates in Tools\Options\File Locations. Set the path to;
C:\<Windows_Folder>\Profiles\< UserName >\ApplicationData\Microsoft\Templates

Once you’ve done that, find ALL occurrences of Normal.dot and delete them.
You’ll find them in one or more of the following locations;

Word Program Folder (Winword.exe location):
Drive:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office

User Templates Path (Default folder):
C:\<Windows_Folder>\Profiles\< UserName >\ApplicationData\Microsoft\Templates

Workgroup Templates Path
<Not set by default>

The next time you start Word, it will search for Normal.dot in the following order;
1- The User Templates folder
2- The Word Program folder.
3- The Workgroup Templates folder (if one is specified).
If Word does not find a Normal.dot template file, Word creates a new template in the folder specified by the User Templates path.
Hopefully, your new Normal.dot file will be free of errors/viruses and won’t prompt you to save each time you start “unless you tell it to”.

Follow these steps to turn off the prompt to save the changes to your Normal.dot template.

NOTE: Even if you turn this prompt off to prevent Word from asking to save the changes, Word still automatically saves the changes each time that you quit Word.
1. On the Tools menu, click Options .
2. Click the Save tab.
3. Clear the Prompt to save Normal template check box.


Microsoft also suggested that Word might be infected with a Macro virus, they said; “This problem can occur if your computer is infected with a virus that changes the global template (Normal.dot). To help avoid virus infection, keep your virus software and virus definitions updated with the latest versions.... blah blah blah. you know what to do!


Jama

[Jama]

Resources used;

http://support.microsoft.com/search/preview.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q241763
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q214215
http://support.microsoft.com/search/preview.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q211529


Jama