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Issue with " Word cannot open file with Normal.dotm error"

Word dialog box continually opens while my computer is on, whether I am using Word or not. Creates these "normal" template files, that need to be saved in order for me to continue using my computer. My IT department and Microsoft subscription support looked at my computer and no one can figure it out.

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Try re-naming the Normal.dotm template to oldnormal.dotm and the re-start Word and see if the problem still occurs.
Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)
dougrobbinsmvp@gmail.com
It's time to replace ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ with ‘Excellence, Opportunity & Civility’ - V Ramaswamy

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Thanks Doug, pop-up still occurs.

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Is that folder or the file protected in any way (read-only)? Do you have Save and Delete permissions in the folder?
Microsoft MVP (Word) since 1999
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://ssbarnhill.com
http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com
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Thank you Suzanne. The file is not protected. It requires me to save as a "new template". I do have save permission, but if I try to cancel, another pop-up is presented which is the one shown above.

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It is a very peculiar error you are experiencing. I don't remember anything similar ever being reported.

If you look in the Task Manager, is Word loaded into memory (even though it isn't visible)?

Does restarting the computer and deleting temporary files make a difference? See http://www.gmayor.com/what_to_do_when_word_crashes.htm.

Stefan Blom
Microsoft 365 Word MVP since 2005
Volunteer Moderator (Office)
MS 365, Win 11 Pro
~~~~
Please note that I do not work for Microsoft
MVP program info: https://mvp.microsoft.com/
~~~~

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Thank you Stefan, there are several Microsoft Word 32 bit files where I have to delete each one - not sure if that is what you mean by Word loaded into memory? I tried your link and deleted temporary files, restarted, and unfortunately I still have the pop up. Very persistent!

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Right-click the taskbar and choose Start Task Manager. Do you see an entry for winword? In that case, Word is running (= loaded into the computer's memory), although it is't necessarily visible on the desktop.

Stefan Blom
Microsoft 365 Word MVP since 2005
Volunteer Moderator (Office)
MS 365, Win 11 Pro
~~~~
Please note that I do not work for Microsoft
MVP program info: https://mvp.microsoft.com/
~~~~

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I've got these two pics of task manager. This is the status from just turning the computer on, not opening Word...

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What other applications are you using?  Maybe one of them is starting Word and not closing it properly.
Hope this helps,
Doug Robbins - MVP Office Apps & Services (Word)
dougrobbinsmvp@gmail.com
It's time to replace ‘Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’ with ‘Excellence, Opportunity & Civility’ - V Ramaswamy

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Hello Doug, I am mainly using Internet Explorer, Skype & Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point...

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Last updated December 26, 2023 Views 1,450 Applies to: