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.
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.