Normal.dotm was being edited by another Word seesion ...

[Dave Horne]

I'm using Office 2007 and since very recently, it seems every time I open a
Word document, when I close it, I am confronted with a 'Normal.dotm was
being edited by another Word session. ... etc. prompt"

If I close the document in question I see an empty Microsoft Word window
that is empty.

What gives? How do I avoid these unnecessary prompts from Word? Does this
have anything to do with any recent Window Updates?

Thanks, DH

 

[Dave Horne]

OK ... I took some notes ....

1. I double click on an existing Word document (*.doc)

2. I make no changes and exit *.doc

3. an empty Microsoft Word (Office 2007) window is displayed, I close

4. I then receive a Micorsoft Office Word prompt:

The file is in use by another application or user.
(C:\Users\dave\AppDate\...Normal.dotm)
I click "OK"

5. 'Save As' window opens with file name Normal.dotm

6. I go to Save and then receive a MS Office Word prompt - This File is
read-only.
(C:\Users\dave\AppData\...\Normal.dotm ... click 'OK' ...

and I am told # 6 all over again

........

What is going on? I didn't have this a few weeks ago. This is a legitimate
version of Office 2007 and Vista Home Premium.

 

[Terry Farrell]

It would seem you have installed some thing that has an incompatible plug-in
in Word. To test this, start Word in Safe Mode. From Start, Run (Winkey+R)
type in

winword /a

and press enter. This starts Word in its default install mode bypassing
absolutely everything. If it opens and closes correctly now, then it proves
a third party add-in is the problem. See how to find add-ins

http://www.word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/CheckIfAddinsInstalled.htm

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011514521033.aspx

 

[Dave Horne]

Terry, I think that did it ... or improved the situation. I deselected an
add-on to send Word faxes through Skype. I still have that empty opened
window when I close down the document in question, but I am not not prompted
for anything.

Also, if I right click the original (to Open) instead of double clicking to
Open, only the document itself opens and that 'extra' empty window does not.

At least I'm on the right path. Thanks! DH

 

[Terry Farrell]

It sounds like you are on the correct path. You should also check out the
FAQ that includes closing problems which may help too:

http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/AppErrors/ProbsOpeningWord.htm

Terry

 

[Dave Horne]

Terry, Thanks! Be sure to take something out of petty cash for your
efforts. DH