default template location

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Guest

I need to know how to change the default template location. This is for when I create a custom templates - I don't want the default location to be the original c:\document and settings..

The only thing I found in Tools, Options was about changing the location of the "default template" the one that opens automatically when Excel opens and that all new workbooks are based on. That's not what I'm trying to do

Does anyone know how to do this

Thanks, Judy
 
AFAIK, you can't *change* the default template location, BUT, you can add
others.

One relatively quick work-around would be to create a template folder of
your own, and copy it as a *shortcut* to the default system template folder.
This now creates an additional tab in the <File> <New> folder, but you do
all your work, (additions, deletions, revisions), in your own templates
folder, and they are automatically reflected in the system folder.

If you really wish to get away from using the system template folder, you
can create a new file (folder), in which any templates that you create will
be made available from the <File> <New> folder, <General> tab, just the same
as the "regular" system templates folder works.

The main caveat here is that everything that you put in this folder must be
a true XL template, with a .xlt suffix (extension). XL will automatically
open any file in this folder at start-up, *UNLESS* it's a template.

First, in Windows Explorer, create a new folder that will contain your
templates.
Then, in XL, go to <Tools> <Options> <General> tab.
In the "Alternate Startup File Location" box, enter the full path to your
newly created template folder.

Now, you can take an existing *true* (.xlt extension) template, and save it
to this new folder.

When you now go to <File> <New> <General > tab, you'll see this template
displayed.

There is still another approach to using templates without accessing the
system folder, but this entails using MS Word, which for some reason, MS
empowered to control all the MS Office templates, including XL's.

Post back if you wish information on using Word to control template folder
location.
--
HTH,

RD
==============================================
Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit!
==============================================
Judy said:
I need to know how to change the default template location. This is for
Click to expand...
when I create a custom templates - I don't want the default location to be
the original c:\document and settings...
The only thing I found in Tools, Options was about changing the location
Click to expand...
of the "default template" the one that opens automatically when Excel opens
and that all new workbooks are based on. That's not what I'm trying to do.
 
This is strange that we can't change the location. One of the Microsoft Office Specialist certification objectives for Office 2003 is (XL0303E-5-3) Modify Excel default settings - Changing the default file location for templates. I knew about the "Word" way and how easy it is there, but I'm certain that for an Excel certification, that's not what they're looking for

Thanks for your help.
 
I did say AFAIK, which really isn't saying too much.
If you DO discover a way, post back with the info.
--

Regards,

RD
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit !
--------------------------------------------------------------------

This is strange that we can't change the location. One of the Microsoft
Office Specialist certification objectives for Office 2003 is (XL0303E-5-3)
Modify Excel default settings - Changing the default file location for
templates. I knew about the "Word" way and how easy it is there, but I'm
certain that for an Excel certification, that's not what they're looking
for.

Thanks for your help.
 
I believe that's exactly what I, and the OP said, Deb.

I think she's looking for a way to change *only* the XL default system
template folder.

If you change it in Word, you loose your .dot templates and everything else
stored there, unless you copy everything over, which defeats any advantage
of switching in the first place.

I do believe that the closest you can come to accomplishing any sort of
"change", is my first suggestion, of creating a shortcut to the default
system template folder from your own personnel template folder, where
regular .xls sheets automatically acquire the template property of opening a
"copy" of the sheet and *not* opening the original.
--

Regards,

RD
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit !
--------------------------------------------------------------------


According to "Microsoft Office System Inside Out -- 2003 Edition", you
can change the location of the User Templates folder by using MS Word.
If the change the location in Word, it will affect all Office
applications that use templates.

http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/5599.asp
This is strange that we can't change the location. One of the Microsoft
Click to expand...
Office Specialist certification objectives for Office 2003 is (XL0303E-5-3)
Modify Excel default settings - Changing the default file location for
templates. I knew about the "Word" way and how easy it is there, but I'm
certain that for an Excel certification, that's not what they're looking
for.
 
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