[Jmo140]

Starting about a month ago, I've been having trouble with MS Word (2003). Everytime that I attempt to start it up, it won't, or it will open up a blank document and then freeze. Although it works in safe mode for making documents, I cannot open any saved documents. It won't open when I open it from my documents in addition to that. I've tried using MS Word 2003 viewer as well, so I could simply view and print my documents, but this has the same trouble not starting and freezing.

I've had some people telling me that I need to delete or edit some folder called "normal.dot", but I cannot seem to find that. I'm honestly clueless as to what to do next, and would very much appreciate any help ASAP.

Thank you!

 

[Glaswegian]

Hi and welcome to TSF.

Normal.dot is the Global Template that Word uses to create blank documents, so it’s always open and in use. It’s also where you can store macros and other settings such as custom toolbars. This template can often become corrupted for no good reason. This can cause Word to crash so you could try deleting this file. Word will simply re-create it when it restarts. Normal.dot is a hidden file so you need to show your Hidden/System files before deleting it. For XP, Go to My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View tab and make sure that Show hidden files and folders is enabled. Also make sure that the System files and Folders are showing / visible. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files option. Now go to Start > Search > All Files/Folders and type normal.dot in the box and click Search. Delete the file when it’s found.

Now start Word again and you’ll find you have a new Normal.dot file. Remember to reverse the above instructions to re-hide your system files again. Let me know if that helps.

 

[Jmo140]

I've just gone through and tried that (Displaying the contents of system folder, show hidden files and folders, and I deselected Hide Protected operating system files) but when I searched for the normal.dot file, it's still not found. But in the search, it states in not looking in hidden files or folders.

Could this be a reason I'm not finding it still, or is it something else?

 

[Glaswegian]

Sorry if I didn't make that clear - yes you need to include Hidden and System files in your search.

<edit> The most likely location will be c:\Document and Settings\Username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates

 

[Jmo140]

Excellent, word itself now is working.
Another problem though has arisen. No files I've previously saved (or ones that I saved to test it out) will open.
If you have any idea on what is wrong with this, please tell me, but if not, Thank you very much for the help.

 

[Glaswegian]

Hi again

Do you get any error messages or is it just that nothing happens?

 

[Jmo140]

Nothing happens at all

 

[Glaswegian]

I would suggest you try a Repair from within Word. Go to Help > Detect and Repair - note that you might need your Office CD.