Creating a Document Based on a Template

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 4, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 2007

John noted that when he double-clicked on a template file in Windows Explorer when using Windows XP and Word 2003, a new document was created, based on the template. However, using Vista and Word 2007, when John double-clicks on a template file the template file opens instead of a new document. John wonders how to configure things to open a new document based on the template instead of opening the template itself.

The default action of double-clicking a template on the desktop is to create a new document based on that template, regardless of the version of Word or Windows you are using. In fact, what happens when you double-click a file is controlled by Windows; Word has nothing to do with it. The only possible answer is that something is probably amiss with John's Vista setup.

The first thing to check is to make sure that the template is actually a template. Start Word, load the file, and then use Save As to save it specifically as a template under a new name. Get out of Word and double-click the newly saved template. If a new document is created—one based on the template—then you know that there was no problem with Windows and the problem is solved.

If the problem persists, then you should try to "reregister" Word with Windows. You do this by starting Word using this command in a command window:

winword /r

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6615) applies to Microsoft Word 2007.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Sudden Increases in Workbook File Size

Workbooks can get rather large rather quickly. If you think your workbook has gotten too big too fast, here are some ...

Discover More

Where Is that Text?

Looking for a formula that can return the address of a cell containing a text string? Look no further; the solution is in ...

Discover More

Counting Names Based on Two Criteria

Need to figure out how many rows in a worksheet meet two criteria that you specify? Here's how to get the info you desire.

Discover More

Do More in Less Time! Are you ready to harness the full power of Word 2013 to create professional documents? In this comprehensive guide you'll learn the skills and techniques for efficiently building the documents you need for your professional and your personal life. Check out Word 2013 In Depth today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Changing the Attached Template

Templates, when attached to a document, can greatly affect how that document looks. You can change from one template to ...

Discover More

Protecting the Normal Template During an Update

When Microsoft decides to update your 365 system, you may find that it also overwrites your Normal template. This tip ...

Discover More

Making Templates Available to Word

Confused about where to store your templates in Word so that they are available when using the program? This tip ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is 2 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.