I am able to locate normal.dotm but don't see what I can actually do with it! No 'repair' option. Also, an error message 'unable to save global normal as I am opening WORD from a 'read only' folder. I have checked all 'info' data and appear to be able to read and write! What am I missing? Have checked all sources of help but unable to find definitive solution! Help!
MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)
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:
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Thank you!
This worked, and the issue was driving me nuts.
Many thanks! It works for me!
Thank you for this simple answer!🙂
Worked perfectly, thanks! However, it's easier when you just search on '.office' in finder.
This worked wonderfully. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you marzzzA! that was a wonderful solution...!
great! worked for me as well ... finally!!
This does help for the latest Microsoft Word 15.41. The issue I have is it keeps coming back though.
Wow, worked perfectly for me. Thank You
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.
Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.dotm
