Editing & Saving Default Word Document

[JAD]

In Office 2000, I am having a hard time saving a modified
Word default start up document. In previuos versions of
Word, I could simply replace the default template by
copying over the file. Unless I am missing a step, I
cannot use the same method for replacing the default
template in 2000. I tried to rename the default file but
the program did not allow me to do so. While that makes
sense, I need a way of making modifications, such as
changing the font type and size. Could you please let me
know what the steps are for this modifcation task?

Thank You,
JAD

 

[Jay Freedman]

Hi, JAD,

First, let's get some terminology straight: There is no "default document"
in Word. There *is* a default template, and its file name is Normal.dot. You
can delete, rename, or replace this file when Word is not running.

To change font characteristics, the simplest method is to make the changes
in the Format > Font dialog in any document based on Normal.dot, and click
the Default button at the bottom of that dialog.

To change paragraph characteristics (line spacing, indents, etc.) for a
particular style, check the "Add to template" box in the Format > Style >
Modify dialog while you're making the changes to that style.

It's also possible to open the Normal.dot template itself, as if it were a
document, by using File > Open and changing the Files of Type box to "Word
template (*.dot)", navigating to the template folder, and selecting
Normal.dot. (Alternatively, in Windows Explorer, you can right-click
Normal.dot and select Open instead of New.) Make any changes you want and
save.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

See http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/Customization/CustomizeNormalTemplate.htm

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://www.mvps.org/word
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