Hi!
I have exactly the same problem. Also, the reason is the same I believe; in
the doc-file there is a link referring to an ancient dot-file which was
originally saved on server that does not exist anymore.
So guess what, it takes about 5 minutes to open the doc-file, because Word
is trying to find nonexistent server!
To fix this problem one must empty "Tools->Templates and Add-ins->Document
Template" datafield, click "OK" and then "Save". After this is done, bad link
is gone, and the file will open a.s.a.p.
I believe it is not so bad to have "Template Used" data referring to
nonexistent dot-file on ***existent*** server. This kind of situation will
slow down opening process only for 0,2-30 secs. BUT if the whole server is
gone.... waity waity waity Of course this is just my experience.
Anyway, my problem still remains: I should do this fixing procedure manually
for - I dont even know - maybe for thousands of doc-files. Whoaa! No way.
Because I'm not any programmer, I've tried to find ready to use tools that
automate the whole process. So far nothing, only two
almost-there-but-after-all-missed solutions:
1) There is a Microsoft tool called rhdtool.exe (remove hidden data tool). I
thought this could be the solution, but unfortunately it does not solve this
problem
--- if I read the specs correctly, tool removes almost every other analogous
data (Previous authors and editors, Routing slips etc etc etc) but not the
used template link
--- And even if I was misreading = tool would remove the template path, I
should use the tool through Word 2003 or from command line (Word 2003 running
on background) --> it would take n x 1000 x 5 mins to do repairing, because
all files are actually opened to Word before the tool (macro?) can work
--- One should have W2003 to run this tool - I have Word 2002.
***a-single-tear-drop-falling-down***
2) Also there is a program called Doc Scrubber (Javacool software). Program
is very promising:
--- it can fix multiple docs at the same time without opening the into Word
--> fast!
--- free for personal use
--- for business use one should purchase a license
--- BUT at the moment "business licenses are not available", perhaps because
they are "investigating offering this version of Doc Scrubber as freeware for
business use"
--- And why?
--- perhaps because this far this version didn't work as promised: "Clear
Template Used to Normal.dot" option did not do the job, plus some other bugs
reported, too... ***couple-of-tear-drops-falling-down***
3) Dont know yet...
But hey! C'est la vie!
- JS -
