The Normal template is used each time you open a new Word document. The template has pre-configured formatting such as font type and size that is automatically applied to each new document. What if the Normal template is not set up the way you want it to be? You could make the formatting changes each time or you can set up the Normal template exactly as you want it.

To change the Normal template in Word 2002:

1. In Windows Explorer, navigate to c:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates.

2. Select Normal.dot.
3. From the Edit menu click Copy.
4. Click anywhere within the templates folder and click Paste from the Edit menu.
5. Right click the existing Normal.dot file and rename it to anything you want.
6. Right click the copy you made and rename it to Normal.
7. Right click the new Normal template and click Open. DO NOT double click the template. This will open a new document.
8. Within the template, make the changes you want. This includes font size and style, toolbars, views and so on.
9. From the File menu, click Save.

Word will now open new documents using the template you just created. You can always revert back to the old template by renaming it back to Normal.dot.