Hi and thanks for helping. This has been a huge problem.
Working backwards...
All templates have VB code linking them to a local Access DB. dotm docm is mandatory
This only affects 1 computer, but it is my work laptop. I am a doctor and enter patient data by laptop.
"Save as" a template (overwriting) does not change. Icons are not correct for dotm. They look generic. docm icons are correct.
dotms were created in Word by the standard method and successfully used for several years. A Windows or Word update broke their function.
Sharepoint is not used.
"New" is no longer an option for dotms. Only "edit" since this problem began.
QUOTE: If you use File > New and pick a template, Word will create a new document based on the template.
I cannot pick one of my personal templates this way. Under "New" there is only a blank document and below online templates. If I click File\Open then the template opens as a template