Can I export my Word customizations (keyboard and dictionary)?

[ld777]

I need to reformat my hard drive. In the past when I've done this and then
re-installed Word, I've had to begin from scratch with building up my
personal dictionary (so the spell-checker doesn't flag German words I use
often) and keyboard shortcuts I've created. Also toolbar customizations,
though I don't have as many of those. Does anyone know whether it's possible
to export these customizations into a file I can then use to re-configure
Word once I've reinstalled the program?

 

[Lene Fredborg]

The following article may help you:
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/General/FilesToBackup.htm

--
Regards
Lene Fredborg
DocTools - Denmark
www.thedoctools.com
Document automation - add-ins, macros and templates for Microsoft Word

 

[ld777]

Thank you, Lene. I read the article you linked me to, as well as various
other articles embedded in it. These were most helpful, except for the
crucial problem that the place Word tells me (under "Tools" and "Options" to
"File Locations") my Templates, custom Dictionary, etc., are stored is in a
folder I can't find on my hard drive. These files are supposedly located
under "Documents and Settings," to my name, to "Application Data," to
"Microsoft," to "Templates" or "Proof", etc.). Yet when I looked in
Explorer, there was no "Application Data" folder under my name at all, nor
anywhere else I can find on the computer. Furthermore, when I ran a search
on the hard drive for the file "Normal.dot," figuring I could at least back
that up somewhere, no such file appears.

So now I'm totally confused. I have Word 2003. Why is it directing me to
folders that don't seem to exist? Is there some way they may be hidden from
Explorer -- in which case, is there some other way to find the files and copy
them? I've heard of hidden folders but don't know what those are; could
"Application Data" be a hidden folder on my computer?? I hope these are not
dumb questions! I'm feeling flummoxed.

 

[Lene Fredborg]

You are right - hidden files and folders are involved and since you cannot
see them, you need to change a setting to make them visible.

To show hidden files:
Open Windows Explorer (e.g. by right-clicking Start and selecting Explore).
Select Tools > Folder Options > View tab.
Select "Show hidden files and folders".
Click OK.

Then you should hopefully be able to find alle the files and folders.

--
Regards
Lene Fredborg
DocTools - Denmark
www.thedoctools.com
Document automation - add-ins, macros and templates for Microsoft Word

 

[ld777]

Thank you, Lene! You are a genius. There they are, all the files visible
and accessible, and I can now follow the instructions in the original
article.

Mange Tak!! (I see you're from Denmark)

Lisa D