Customizing Microsoft Word

Introduction

Microsoft Word is a large and complex program with a large number of options. In order to make this program as appealing as possible to the largest possible audience, Microsoft has included a large number of customization options that affect the program's appearance and how certain features operate. However, since we are running a network version of this program, many of the customization options are stored on the "J:" drive, which users typically cannot alter. This document describes how to move customization files to the user's local hard drive (C:), which allows individual users to save their preferences.

Moving Files

The following files need to be copied from the network "J:" drive to the user's local "C:" drive.

Setting Options Within Word

Start Microsoft Word and select the "Tools Options..." menu item.

Verify that the file locations are correct. To do this, select the File Locations tab and check that the locations match those shown in the diagram below. The most important files are "User Templates", which should be C:\MSOFFICE\WINWORD\TEMPLATE and "Startup", which should be C:\MSOFFICE\WINWORD\STARTUP.

Exit Word and restart. (This may not be necessary, but should guarantee that all information is being read from the correct locations). This should fix the problem. Changes you make should now be saved on your local drive.

Last modified March 17, 1997
Kent State University - Stark Campus
Department of Chemistry
This Page Written and Maintained by
Dr. Clarke Earley
email: cearley@stark.kent.edu