AutoExec Macros: Running a Macro at Word Startup

You might have a macro you want to run when Word starts, such as a macro that changes the directory or the printer Word will use. It is quite easy to create a macro that will run when Word opens. It is simply a matter of saving the macro in the correct place and giving it the right name.

First, you must open the Normal.dot template. The default filepath is C:\Documents and Settings\user name\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates.

Next, you create your macro. When prompted, name it AutoExec. Any macro named AutoExec will run automatically when Word opens. Because each macro must have a unique name, include all commands you want to execute in the macro. Save your template.

When Word starts, the macro will execute. If you don’t want the macro to run when Word opens, there are a couple of ways to stop it. The easiest way is to hold down the shift key when Word starts.

Alternately, you can start Word from Windows’ Run dialog box. To do this, click Start and select Run. In the dialog box, type winword.exe followed by a space and /m.