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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

54 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-01T00:29:07+00:00

    nkee1229 said: My templates are saved here: C:\Users\owner\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates Substitute your name where I have "owner."

    Thank you. OMG I can't believe how STUPID HARD this was to figure out. I went through so much **** (including taking ownership of the *Program Files...* 1033 folder, where the SAMPLE templates turn out to be stored, and DRAGGING the dotx files into there).

    What. In. The. ****. Sense. does it make to default the template save directory to just wherever (My Documents?) the regular document are stored? WHAT THE **** SENSE does that make to anyone? I'd given up and just used old documents as templates, but then I needed templates with data fields, and finally figured THAT out (and, by the way, HELP was no help with finding the developer "tab" or "strip" or whatever you call that fat toolbar).

    But after all that, I STILL couldn't get a simple way to open the damned thing —until I found this thread. Thank you very much, nkee and the others on this thread. No, I will NOT be upgrading to 365. I can't imagine what new "features" have been added there. But THIS is why people stick with the older (SIMPLER) programs. Stop all this inane "innovating", MS Word people. :(

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Charles Kenyon 171K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-03-01T13:52:53+00:00

    Take a look at File New Variations in the Versions of Word. You can easily add a command to your QAT that gives you access to your user templates no matter where they are stored.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-31T02:34:01+00:00

    That is indeed the most helpful reply.

    Can anyone other than a programmer understand why Microsoft puts files one needs into such an arcane and difficult-to-access site? It was easier for mere mortals when templates were one of the folders within the documents folder, which would be a logical (and easy) place to access.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments