The Normal template opens in the background whenever you start Word.

It includes default styles, AutoText, macros, toolbars, and other customizations that determine the basic look of your document.

The Normal template is a global template that you can use for any type of document. You can modify this template to change the default document formatting or content.

If this gets damaged or corrupt, here’s how to fix it:

1. On the File menu, click Open, and then navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\user name\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates.

Tip: If no templates are listed in the Open dialog box, click the arrow next to the Files of type box, and then click Document Templates.

2. Double-click the Normal.dot file to open it.

To be certain that you’re working in the default template, check to see that Normal.dot appears in the Word title bar.

3. Make any changes you want, using the menus and dialog boxes just as you would to change default settings for a document.

BUT remember that any changes you make to Normal.dot will be applied to documents that you create in the future.

4. When you have finished, on the Standard toolbar click Save.

Note. If Normal.dot is renamed, damaged, or moved, Word automatically creates a new version (i.e. and uses the original default settings) the next time that you start Word. The new version will not include any customizations you made to the version that you renamed or moved.

If you have any problems, please drop me a line.

Ivan Walsh is a technology writer based in Shanghai, China.
Learn how to save time, make money and develop digital products.

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