Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.dotm

This worked for me! MS Word, updated today, version 16.9.1

To be honest, not sure HOW it worked but it worked. Thanks all!

quite helpful, thank you very much!!!

It worked for me...That was so annoying, Thanks!

Thank you for the clear and effective instructions. I'm running High Sierra v 10.13.4 and this worked wonderfully.

I realize I am digging up an old thread. I recently began experiencing the same problem (that is "Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.dotm) when I open Word or Outlook. I have restarted my Mac and the problem persists.

I do not get the "unable to save" error.

Anyone found a solution for this? I have been running Office 365 (2016) for Mac since January and it was working just fine. During one of the last updates from MSFT, I started to get the following message anytime I launch Outlook:

Word cannot open the existing global template (normal.dotm)

After the initial launch of Outlook, it operates just fine. Interesting in MS Word, I do NOT get this message. Word works just fine.

Thanks!

It seems that the solution - at least, the solution that worked for me - was to reinstall OS X and Microsoft Office. Since I did that, I have experienced no trouble with the Normal.dotm error message.

In my case, this seems to be a problem that is very, very transient. I have a brand new MacBook Pro Retina with a brand new corporate image. I have been using this laptop for a week. I saw the problem once a couple of days and didn't have the presence of mind to note what I was doing. It hasn't happened since.

When you go onto a word document, go on "file -> save as template" ; then call your template a memorable unique word, for example "cabbage". Now go into finder and search for "cabbage" in the search bar. You should find the template you created, right click and select "show encasing folder" . You should see the "Normal" folder now. Follow the other instructions from here.

This might be a little late but figure to put in my 2 cent. I'm a IT admin and had to deal with the same problem for an employee recently. Turns out the problem was caused by the user accidentally renaming the Macintosh HD on the desktop to something else. Oddly enough it doesn't affect the Mac from booting up and still allows you to open most apps except for programs like Office. Changing the name back to "Macintosh HD" fixed it for me.

Give this a try before doing something drastic like reformatting the computer.

I tried the other methods mentioned in this discussion and others to no avail regarding creating new templates and deleting files in the var folders.

Maybe I should have used the phrase "your default HD name" instead of "Macintosh HD" to explain my solution. In any case, I'm just glad I was able to fix the problem without having to reformat the Mac since this was the Senior VP's computer. =)

Word 2016 for Mac Won't Open Docs - Cannot open global template - Microsoft Community

The below was found at answers.microsoft.com

Unfortunately, it seems that today images are all broken in the forum. Perhaps this problem will be resolved.

Meanwhile, from what I can gather, there is a problem with the normal template.

The normal template is simply a Word template that Word uses when it opens or makes a new, blank document.

Because I am lazy and I like to try easy things first, my first suggestion is to simply restart you Mac. Does that fix the problem?

If it does, we're done and can go have a nice party, or do the work we wanted to accomplish.

If that doesn't take care of the problem, Word will make a brand new, factory fresh template with new template smell if Word can't find an existing normal template to use. All you have to do is make sure you completely quit Word first, then either rename or move the existing normal template. When Word starts up, it will make that nice, new default template.

It's a bit of a chore to find your templates because Apple insisted Microsoft put them in a hidden location. Dumb idea? You bet! First, unhide the Library folder:

How to Show the User Library Folder in macOS Sierra - The Mac ...

Then, navigate to the User > Library folder that stores your templates. The directory is very intuitive (not!). Hopefully, this image will display for you:

][ MVPs are volunteers who don't work for Microsoft. MVP program info is here: http://mvp.microsoft.com/

Restart your Mac, try again. Post back.

Does anyone have a less drastic solution?

If you mean one that actually works, no.