Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.dotm

Quit Word, Force Quit if necessary.

In Finder, pull down on the Go menu while pressing Option, and click on "Library".

In Library, open the folder "Group Containers"

In Group Containers, open the folder "xxxxxxxxx.Office", (where xxxxxxxx may be some kind of serial number, I am not sure if it is the same or different for each user, but it is the only .Office folder)

In the xxxxxxxxx.Office folder, open the folder "User Content"

In the User Content Folder, open "Templates"

In Templates, trash any file with the name "Normal," including the .bak files.

Restart Word; this worked for me.

I used a solution provided by ,Daniel tzhenyaoand it worked. I had to re-interpret instructions so I am re-pasting his original instructions with some clarifications on wording of steps. I underlined the parts i changed. Thanks Daniel

Daniel tzhenyaoJul 19, 2016 5:49 PM in response to PinkLady100

Level 1 (9 points)

Mac OS X

Jul 19, 2016 5:49 PM Re: Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.dotmin response to PinkLady100

Apple Communities,

I have the identical issue. After deleting a folder and everything appears to be okay.

1. Go to Microsoft Word and Click New from Template

2. Right-click a template that you have made and select show in finder.

3. Delete the file named "normal.dot" -- do not empty the trash (so that you can restore if something went wrong).

4. Force quit Microsoft Word.

5. Restart Microsoft Word and it should work.

Everything turns out fine and the "Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.Dotm" pop-up no longer appears when I open Microsoft Office.

****This solution does not guarantee the best outcome and do it at your risk.****

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/

this is an update for 2018 for this problem as the previous solutions didn't work for me.

1. go to Finder

2. Hold down options/alt button and open Go on Finder

3. click on Library

4.click on Application Support

5. click on Microsoft

6. click on Office

7. click on User Templates

8. delete item

Hope it works!

Restart your Mac, try again. Post back.

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.

Does anyone have a less drastic solution?

If you mean one that actually works, no.

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.

Apple Communities,

I have the identical issue. After deleting a folder and everything appears to be okay.

1. Go to Microsoft Word and Click New Template

2. Right-click a template you made and selected show in finder.

3. Delete a folder name "normal" and do not empty the trash (so that you can restore if something went wrong).

4. Force quit Microsoft Word.

5. Restart Microsoft Word and it should work.

Everything turns out fine and the "Word cannot open the existing global template Normal.Dotm" pop-up no longer appears when I open Microsoft Office.

****This solution does not guarantee the best outcome and do it at your risk.****

Danyaoo

This worked for me! Thanks Danyaoo

How do I get to the "New Template" option?

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.