Change default font and size Word 2007

[hawgwash]

I change the default font and size and save it but the next doc reverts back to Calibri 11.
Tried everything I could think of.

What am I missing?

 

[Ranger4]

Have a look through this website. Read through it & see if there is anything that helps you. There is also reference to setting your default font for the normal.dotm file.

Change the Default Font Size in Word

 

[hawgwash]

Thanks Ranger4.
Tried both those fixes to no avail although with the second how to I was able to change the normal template and it stayed changed (to Arial 12) but new docs revert back to Calibri 11.
Hmmmmm...

 

[Ranger4]

Did you take note of this part of the website.

Please Note: Changing your default font size will not change the font size in existing documents, so these will still show the settings you used when these documents were created. Also, some addins can affect your Normal.dotm template. If Word does not seem to remember your font settings, try disabling Word addins to see if this helps.

 

[hawgwash]

I've tried everything linked and suggested here but no changes save.
I came across this which is a totally different approach but didn't work either.
How do I... Change the normal template in Word 2007 to my preferences? - TechRepublic

Something I did notice; one of the articles says be sure the title bar of the template has .dotm.
I don't see .dotm anywhere.

I even did a fresh install and started all the above steps over. Didn't work either.

Obviously I am missing some step along the way.

 

[Ranger4]

Try this MS website. It is for Windows Vista & XP, but the Vista suggestions should work in Windows 7. This is for setting the normal.dotm default.

https://support.office.com/en-ca/ar...maldotm--06de294b-d216-47f6-ab77-ccb5166f98ea

This one might help as well.

https://wordknowhow.wordpress.com/tag/edit-normal-dotm-in-word-2007/

 

[hawgwash]

Thanks very much for all your rummaging and attempts to help sort this one out, Ranger4.

It all began with a fresh install of W7 and Office 2007. Prior was ok. A reinstall of 2007 did nothing.
All the links and suggestions are much the same steps with some variation; ie reference to .dotm in word title and "trusted templates." I see neither.

I'm going to snoop in my laptop with the same installs and no issues.

 

[carwiz]

It sounds like you're not opening the template but a document based on the template. When you open the template, the body should be blank.

Are you opening the template through Word or from Windows Explorer? It must be opened through Word.

 

[hawgwash]

carwiz, thanks.
Yes I have been opening it the correct way but I the only thing showing in the right pane is Document Themes and Normal. No list and no .dotm like yours. Would the fact it is Office Enterprise make any difference?
I just realized when I click "Normal" it comes up with the saved defaults but when I right click the desktop to open a new Word Doc it comes up with the Calibri every time. The right click desktop is what I have always done.
I also just realized, since reinstalling 2007 I have not had any updates and usually there are a bunch after install.

So...
Desktop issue?
Update issue?
Who knows!

 

[carwiz]

I don't think that it's Enterprise makes a difference UNLESS you are on an IT network. It's possible that the templates may be controlled by the administrator. I'm not familiar with the Enterprise version so there may be centralized options not accessible to users. You might try right clicking on Word from the program menu and selecting Run as Administrator and see if that makes a difference in options presented.

The file type MUST be "dotm". Nothing else will work. If you just have a file named Normal and no file type .dotm, Word is probably using the internal defaults. Try resaving the template with a .dotm file type.

 

[hawgwash]

No IT.
I have been using this copy for years without even knowing there was a "Normal" file.
Always just right clicked desktop for new doc and established default from there.

If I open a doc from start>all programs>office>word, it comes up the way I saved defaults, not Calibri. Desktop word doc = Calibri.

No idea how to go about this "Try resaving the template with a .dotm file type."

Nor can I find "run as administrator" option.

 

[carwiz]

Forgot to mention:
You probably won't get updates until "Patch Tuesday". You can force a Check for Updates by right clicking the small flag in the lower right corner then select Open Windows Update. In the left pane of the window that opens, click on "Check for updates".

 

[hawgwash]

Here's more...
While the file in "templates" is labeled "Normal" properties says "Microsoft Office Word Macro-Enabled Template (.dotm)"

Also noticed "compatability" set to XP SP 2. Anything there?

 

[carwiz]

My error. There's no Run as Administrator, sorry.

What is the file type when you save the Normal file. Does it show a drop-down to select the file type?

You might just try to rename the file from "Normal" to "Normal.dotm". (no quotes) You can do this by right clicking on the file through Windows Explorer and select Rename. You'll get a warning changing the file type but just Ok through.

The desktop thing is strange. Is it a plain shortcut or are there variables in the Target string? (Right click the shortcut, select Properties)

 

[carwiz]

Ok, the file type may be hidden by your folder options. (See image below) That explains the missing .dotm.

The compatibility mode may be a default since it's Word 2007 but I think XP went to SP3. Is the compatibility set on the link in Programs > Office > Word?

 

[carwiz]

I'm not aware of any differences between a Shortcut and a Program Menu link unless the Start In is different but here's something to try. Right click on the Word link from the Program Menu and select Pin to Task Bar OR Pin to Start Menu and see if this link works with your custom template.

 

[hawgwash]

Ranger4 and carwiz;
Thanks for your patience and assistance here.
I have made another discovery that makes it look like all of us were just spinning our wheels.
It seems like normal.dotm is working ok and the issue is related to the desktop opening of new docs.

If I access the normal template or open a new doc in all programs no problem.
However, when I open a new doc by either of the following two methods, they open with the Calibri 11 default;

Right click any open desktop space and click new word doc.
Click office button in word and click "New"

I'm taking a break from this for a move and will return to it later.

 

[carwiz]

Did you run the updates?

 

[hawgwash]

I did; there were none.

 

[Ranger4]

Thanks for getting back.