Can’t change default font (2003)

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I have selected Format, Font, Default to change the default font and responded yes to the confirmation prompt. But after existing Word the previous font displays. I’ve logged in as another user and the local administrator and the same thing happens. After looking at The Explorer I finally determined that Normal.dot wasn’t being updated with the changes. What’s strange is after making the font change I searched for Normal.dot, but it doesn’t appear in the search results (including hidden & system files). I know there must be one somewhere but where i’m not sure. Any idea what might be happening? THanks

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The standard location for Normal.dot is in the folder

C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftTemplates

Application Data is a hidden folder, so you’ll only see it if you show hidden files and folders.

I’d turn on the option “Prompt to save Normal template” in the Save tab of Tools | Options in Word. You’ll know when Word tries to save Normal.dot.

You can create a blank document with the styles etc. you want, then save it as a document template (*.dot) called Normal.dot in the folder mentioned above. Then quit and restart Word. Word should now use the Normal.dot you created.

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Hans,
I have the show hidden files option turned on & still don’t see Normal.dot when I search or go to the Templates folder. I started Word with the /a switch which should launch the program without loading Normal because when I try to save a file in Templates with the name Normal.dot I get the message that I can’t save the current document with the same name as an open document.

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I don’t understand this, but try the following:
– Save a blank document with the desired settings as a template named Normal.dot in another folder.
– Quit all instances of Word.
– Use Windows Explorer to move the Normal.dot you just saved to C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftTemplates.
– If you get asked whether you want to replace the existing Normal.dot, it must have been there after all…

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Hans,

It’s getting curiouser & curiouser. I saved a document as Normal.dot and copied it to the Templates folder, but wasn’t prompted to replace an existing file. So it’s working kind of; the default font is now what I wanted. But if I use the Default button to change the font again, the Normal.dot in the Templates folder isn’t updated, nor do I get the prompt re: The Normal Template has changed……as a result of selecting Options, Save, Prompt to save Normal. I have to update the one I saved to another location (the desktop in this case) and copy it to Templates. So I was ultimately able to make the font change, but something is still wrong. I also didn’t mention earlier that I ran Detect & Repair & reinstalled Office (to no avail). In any case thank you very much for your advice. I’ll keep playing around to see I can get to the root of this.

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Can you check the value of Tools > Options > File Locations > User Templates
this should let us know where Word is storing your Normal.dot.

StuartR

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