Word 2010 and Template Locations

Anonymous
2011-02-24T03:35:40+00:00

Word 2003 by default saved any document I designated as a template (*.dot) in a predetermined location set up in Location of Files.  I have noted that Word 2010 also saves user templates to a location in Location of Files (oddly it is in a folder called "roaming." something I usually assocate with my cell phone rather than my computer).  However, notwithstanding this setting Word 2010 saves my templates wherever it chooses.  I noticed this after creating a template and then immediately trying to use it--and it wasn't "there."  That is, it did not show up in File/New/Templates.  Gone!  That is, gone until I ran a search for it and found it.  This time I found it in the folder I was working in when I decided to create the new template.  Am  I missing something here?  Is the Location of Files setting subject to other unknown (at least to me) conditions?  There may be fine reasons to choose to store templates in a location different from the setting but since they won't be accessible in the usual way (File/New/Templates etc.) it would probably be a very unique reason.  I lost another template or two previously but I figured it was my own fault for not saving them correcty--until they showed up in the same search! 

Joe McGuire

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Charles Kenyon 171K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2012-07-13T16:01:51+00:00

I agree with you that having to activate the Developer Tab is a pain as is the routine hiding of both system files and filename extensions.

As to the new form fields, I have mixed feelings. The Add-In from Greg Maxey at Add Classic FormField Controls to Ribbon certainly helps. It essentially gives you the old Forms toolbar in a Ribbon group including the lock toggle.

See also: File New Variations in the Versions of Word

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Suzanne S Barnhill 279.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2011-02-24T05:07:57+00:00

The difference is that Word no longer defaults to the user templates folder when you save a template. This is touted as a benefit, though I don't really see how it is. If you want the template to appear in the New dialog (assuming you've figured out how to even make that appear), you do have to save it in the default template location. There's some info about this at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/924460, but it probably won't tell you more than you have already discovered.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-07T18:30:57+00:00

    I am pleased to report I've solved my problem.

    To change the location of the Word 2010 User Templates do the following:

    1. Click File / Options
    2. Click Advanced - under the General section (about 3/4 of the way down) click the File Locations Box
    3. On the list of locations, highlight "User Templates", click "Modify" and either enter your desired location or browse your way to it.
    4. Then click OK and you're done.

    Again - my whole point in seeking help was to designate the User Template location to somewhere that is routinely backed up on our machines. It was easy in Word 97 but while this is definitely more difficult it's do-able and works.

    Thanks to all of you for your help on this!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-03T18:24:57+00:00

    Under Windows XP, I had the Templates folder in my Places Bar, which worked for all versions of Word. Under Windows 7, Word 2003 still has the Places Bar, but Word 2007 and 2010 use the Windows 7 Explorer model, with Libraries and Favorites (which I still haven't quite got the hang of).

    I did add Templates to Favorites, and it was a simple work-around. Thank you for the advice.

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  3. Charles Kenyon 171K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-05-03T04:50:46+00:00

    On re-reading your comments I realize there is a further puzzle.  What I was treating in Windows Explorer as files or folders are apparently not really files and folders at all but "my profile."   This probably makes great sense to somebody in Redmond even if to nobody else. 

    A "profile" in Windows is a collection of files and folders connected to a particular user. Each user with a log-in has a separate document, desktop, and, yes AppData. These are Windows folders within the profile.

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