Word 2003 error "The global template, NORMAL.DOT, is already open as an addin program?

Question

When I use MS Word 2003 in an MS Automation environment or when I open my email editor for the first time, I get message "The global template, NORMAL.DOT, is already open as an add-in program.

I then go into the Tools-Template dialogue and uncheck the DOT files that are already open. Also, the one that it allows me to remove, I remove.

When I go back into Tools->Templates, the DOT files are checked again even though all I did was go immediately back into Tools->Templates. Even if I quit Word and go back in, same thing.

I did install SP1 and a specific patch for Word 2003

Answer 1

NORMAL.DOT is the default template for Word. If you uncheck or remove it, Word will automatically recreate that file.

Do a search (Start button > Search > All files and folders) for Normal.dot. See if you have a copy of it located in a directory called "Startup". If you do, delete that normal.dot and that may resolve the issue. Any templates in that folder are automatically loaded when Word starts. If the normal.dot gets put into that folder, Word will attempt to load the template twice, giving you that error.

Answer 2

Word 2003 Normal.dot

Answer 3

Check in the prefrences where your normal.dot is located, then close Word and open Windows Explorer and go to that folder and rename that file to something else. A good example might be "original_normal.xxx", where xxx is your initials. Once that is done, you should be able to restart word and it will recreate a normal.dot from a default setup.

If you have any addins that you added, you will have to go back and add them once you are satisfied it is fixed. At that point you can go back and delete the broken normal.dot that you remamed.

Answer 4

I do desire somebody solutions this. i've got had this myself (yet i do no longer now). I searched and searched yet i will't locate any answer or clarification, and that i will't reproduce it. reliable luck!