Read only copy occurs if network user has a copy open

[DaveK.]

Hello: I was wondering if this is a known condition of (creating and storing
for user access) .dot word templates on a network:

When I want to "open" the .dot template to make new changes, if someone on
my network is currently working on a copy from that template, the master
template will only open as (read only).

I can make a new copy of the master template with a new name and then delete
the old file.

I am wondering if there is some connection between the master .dot file and
an open copy on a network?