normal.dot problem for multiple instances of Word 97

[ndean]

I have a Windows XP computer at my office and I am using Word 97 to
remain compatible with other computers at the office.

But only the first instance of Word 97 runs the normal.dot that I
prefer. If I should click on the icon for another Word document while
Word 97 is already open, I open a second instance of the Word program,
one with Microsoft's default normal.dot, and I can't close that
instance of the program without repeatedly explaining to the computer
that I don't want to save the "new" normal.dot.

A half-way measure that I have taken is to try to make sure to open all
additional Word documents "within" the first instance of Word, that
is, using only the "new" icon and the "open" icon of the open
Word program to open additional documents. This works most of the time,
but sometimes one forgets and clicks on a document's own icon,
opening a second instance of Word (and with it, the ritual of having to
keep telling the computer -- repeatedly -- that I don't want to save
the "new" normal.dot.)

One fix might be to download and install two large service packs
(Office 97 Service Release 1 and 2b) published by Microsoft to fix
various problems inherent in Office 97 products.

A second might be to install and use the Word 2000 program that I have
at home to replace the Word 97 program on the office computer, and then
configure it to save all documents as Word 97 documents.

Any suggestions on which should work better?

 

[TF]

What you are saying just doesn't make sense. There should only be one
normal.dot on your computer in your user profile (documents and settings,
username, application data, microsoft, templates). This should be confirmed
by looking at Tools, Options, File Locations, User Templates path. If there
are other normal.dots on your computer, rename them normal.old.

When you say you click on the icon for another Word document, another
instance of Word opens, what icon are you talking about? You should be
clicking on the NEW button (Ctrl+N).

Definitely install both Service Releases: they are to fix bugs.

Suggestion for what will work better: get Word 2003 and check the Disable
features introduced after Word 97 for full compatibility with the other
users.



:I have a Windows XP computer at my office and I am using Word 97 to
: remain compatible with other computers at the office.
:
: But only the first instance of Word 97 runs the normal.dot that I
: prefer. If I should click on the icon for another Word document while
: Word 97 is already open, I open a second instance of the Word program,
: one with Microsoft's default normal.dot, and I can't close that
: instance of the program without repeatedly explaining to the computer
: that I don't want to save the "new" normal.dot.
:
: A half-way measure that I have taken is to try to make sure to open all
: additional Word documents "within" the first instance of Word, that
: is, using only the "new" icon and the "open" icon of the open
: Word program to open additional documents. This works most of the time,
: but sometimes one forgets and clicks on a document's own icon,
: opening a second instance of Word (and with it, the ritual of having to
: keep telling the computer -- repeatedly -- that I don't want to save
: the "new" normal.dot.)
:
: One fix might be to download and install two large service packs
: (Office 97 Service Release 1 and 2b) published by Microsoft to fix
: various problems inherent in Office 97 products.
:
: A second might be to install and use the Word 2000 program that I have
: at home to replace the Word 97 program on the office computer, and then
: configure it to save all documents as Word 97 documents.
:
: Any suggestions on which should work better?
: