Word Hangs when trying to Start with a Template that is Locked

[Richard Quinn]

We have a Web Based application that consists of Multiple
Word Templates that can be clicked on. These Templates
are located on a Network Drive that is shared. The
Template Directory and the individual Word Templates have
only READ/Execute Permission and the READ-Only Attribute
is set.

The problem is when a user clicks on one of the Templates -
- Word starts and the referenced Template is opened and
properly displayed, BUT if the user does not close the
document, and just opens another template -- the
document/template remains open and is put in a LOCKED
State. Now when another user tries to access the same
Template -- Word will start, but then hangs since the
template being called is in a locked state.

How can you use/share Global Templates without them
becoming locked? I would think with the Template being
set to Read-Only, a new local (temporary) version would be
created.

Any help in resolving this problem is appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

Richard
(202)663-1509

 

[Margaret Aldis]

Hi Richard

It sounds as though the template is actually being opened, rather than being
used to create a new document.

In an ordinary desktop situation, double clicking a .dot file creates a new
document, while double clicking a .doc file opens the file itself. So in
general the solution to this problem is to make sure you really have got a
..dot file (and have not changed the default action on the .dot file type).

However, you say this is a Web-based application. I can't remember the full
implications of trying to 'open' a template from a Web page, but there are
certainly some differences and restrictions, and I would guess this is where
the problem lies.