Start-up Problems - - Tracing Start-up Problems to the Normal Template

Oftentimes, problems starting Word can be traced back to a corrupt Normal.dot file. If you’re having problems starting Word, you should check that the problem is not with the Normal.dot template before you reinstall the software.

First, locate the Normal.dot template using My Computer or Windows Explorer. The location will vary from computer to computer, depending on options you specified during the original installation and which version of Windows you are using. However, the file path is most likely C:\Documents and settings\Application data\Microsoft\Templates. Once you have located the file, rename it by using the shortcut menu.

Restart Word from the Start menu or from your desktop icon, if you have one. Word will automatically create a new Normal.dot template; if Word starts without any problems, you can deduce that the problem was a corrupt Normal.dot template.

If the problem persists, it is time to take a look at the Windows Registry entry for Word.

Note: If you have made a lot of customizations to Word, you do not want to delete the old Normal.dot template. You can use the Organizer to copy the customizations you made to your new Normal.dot file.