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. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

A Fast Find-Next

Tired of the Find and Replace dialog box blocking the view of your worksheet when you are searching for information? Do ...

Discover More

Converting Tables to Charts

Put numeric information in a table and you can then convert that information to a graphical chart using Microsoft Graph ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of the Lock Screen

The Lock Screen is handy on mobile devices but may be a bother on your desktop PC. Here's how to turn the Lock Screen off ...

Discover More

Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2013. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word 2013 Step by Step today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Where Are Templates Stored?

Need to know where templates are located in Word 2007? The locations may be the same as in earlier versions of the ...

Discover More

Recovered Document becomes Default

Word has a feature called AutoRecover that helps you when Word or Windows crashes. If your Normal template gets messed up ...

Discover More

Best Way to Create a Document Template

Templates are the basis of creating consistent documents that permit fast and easy formatting. What is the best way to ...

Discover More
Subscribe

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.

What is five more than 0?

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.

Videos
Subscribe

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

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.