asked on

Cannot edit Word .DOTM file

I have XXX.DOTM document that I think was originally created in Word 2000. Somewhere between then and now it was made into a DOTM that appears to function properly in Word 2007.

I would like to make changes (edit) this document. I can open the document but cannot edit the document to create a revised template. I have tried "Open as copy" and "Open and repair" that open the document, but I cannot edit.

Thanks for any help,
Frank

Flyster

I would try opening a new document and then go to the Insert Tab, in the Text Box and select Object-Text From File. Then go Save As and save it as a Word Template.

Flyster

FrankBabz

ASKER

I tried. It appeared to insert data inside a frame (like an image) where the data cannot be edited. I'm not sure I did this right???

This DOTM when opened has most menu options greyed out excepting on the Developer tab, but I can view Visual Basic, "structure" and "Protect Document" that has "unrestricted access" checked. Somehow this document appears to be protected. I created this doc in Word 2000, and nobody but me has ever messed with it. I tried to open another DOTM and have exactly the same problem.

I think I am having newbie problems as word 2007 is new to me.

Aaron Tomosky

Change to docm. Open and make changes. Save. Change to dotm.

FrankBabz

ASKER

Changed to DOCM and Word said "The file xxx.docm cannot be opened because there are problems with the contents. No further details. Again, my guess is when I originally created the DOCM I was messing with permissions and maybe did something causing this problem.

Flyster

Have you tried to copy everything to a new document? Try Ctrl+A on your document, open a new document and go Ctrl+V

FrankBabz

ASKER

The copy is not corrupted in that regard. What I have found are my original xxx.DOT files from Word 2000. Actually I have several old DOT files. When I open them in Word 2007 I cannot edit them either. I am doing something systemically wrong, but don't know what that is.

FrankBabz

ASKER

I found an old XP system with Word 2000 and the original DOT files were there. When I open them in Word 2000, I cannot edit them there either. This must be some dumb newbie problem that I do not understand. Is there some special sequence of opening them to be able to Edit them?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Flyster

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

FrankBabz

ASKER

Yes. I am aware clicking on the document name creates a new document based on the template,

Per your suggestion I tried opening a Word 2000 file .DOT and cannot edit the document. In the menu bar it advises [Compatibility Mode]. My macros therin are working fine. These documents contain lots of the older "Text Form Fields." I wonder if these TFFs are maybe causing problems.

I removed 2 DYMO Add-Ins. There is now no Add-In tab. I also tried running WINWORD.EXE as administrator but still cannot edit.

I am able to edit a Word 2000 DOC file. I have some old DOT files that are partially editable. DOTX files are editable. I have a DOCX that contains lots of "Text Form Fields" and they work fine.

FrankBabz

ASKER

Thanks for your help. It turns out I had the document protected and did not realize that. I think it iis something you almost suggested. So, I gave you a "B" for your extra effort and the "almost."

Best wishes,
Frank

Flyster

Thanks Frank. I'm glad you got it working.

Paul