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Correcting Many Microsoft Word Problems

One of the most common problems Word users encounter is not being able to start Word. When you double-click the Microsoft Word icon and either nothing happens at all or it attempts to start and then presents an error screen. Or, Word may open, but very slowly and then have trouble opening or saving documents.

All of these symptoms have a common cause. And although frustrating, the solution is relatively easy.

1. Click Start –> Search

2. Click All Files & Folders

3. Type: normal.dot in the “All or part of file name” box or “find what” box.

4. Click “Hidden Files & Folders” in the Advanced section

5. Delete any files that the search finds (Word will make a new one when you open it in the next step)

6. Now try starting Word and all should be well

The normal.dot is the template file that Word uses to set a blank document’s options (margins, fonts, etc). When it becomes corrupt or has problems, it can prevent Word from opening at all. Follow the step’s above to solve the problem quickly.

If this solution doesn’t solve your particular problem, try using the ‘detect & repair’ function in the Help menu of Word 2000 or greater.

Related articles:

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  2. Choose how many recently opened files show in Microsoft Office
  3. Don’t put folders and files on your desktop
  4. Microsoft Word Features You Might Have Overlooked
  5. How to open strange email attachments

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6 comments

  1. After updating my computer with the lastest Microsoft
    update. It switched my email, Outlook Express,to my
    start menu and now when I click on the Internet Explorer
    I can’t use my Outlook Express and the Mail Armory where
    the junk mail is held. Why can’t I put the Outlook Express on the tool bar where it was. I did find the file, edit, favorites, tools and help and put them back where they belonged. I also have the home, feeds, print, page and tools on the second tool bar. Can you help

  2. we are currently in a location where wireless is available (normally it is dialup). What are the safety concerns with leaving the laptop on for extended periods (unattended)?

  3. I had my computer updated recently. I now have “reduced funtionality mode” for MSWord. I can not create new documents or edit existing docouments. How do I remedy this problem?

  4. Why so hard to read?
    A spammer wouldnt take the time to
    try and figure it out?

  5. OMG, I tried deleting normal.dot
    However, it deleted how I had all the
    tool bars set up exactly as I wanted.
    Fortunately I was able to restore it!
    Just thought I’d letcha know that wasnt
    a good choice for . I’m open to any
    other quick fix suggestions.
    Thank you!

  6. Regarding recent poll on cost range
    of computers.
    It seems my mate’s hard drive just
    died. Since his puter is 7 years old,
    have no idea of what’s considered the
    norm for the tower, XP, sound, software,
    price, & extremely user friendly.
    I’m not even sure I’m asking what I’d
    like to know.
    Thanx

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