Resetting Microsoft Word 2007 often involves troubleshooting configuration issues, templates, or add-ins that might be affecting its performance or behavior. While a complete "reset" can be complex, addressing the files that load when Word starts is a common step.
Based on the provided information, you can access the Microsoft Word 2007 Startup folder using a specific command in the Run dialog box. This folder is a location where Word looks for templates and add-in files to load automatically at launch.
Accessing the Word 2007 Startup Folder
To open the Startup folder for Microsoft Word 2007, follow these simple steps as outlined in the reference:
- Click the Start button on your Windows taskbar.
- Select Run from the Start menu.
- In the Run dialog box that appears, carefully type the following exact path:
%programfiles%\Microsoft\Office\Office12\Startup\ - Click OK.
This command will immediately open the Windows Explorer window displaying the contents of your Word 2007 Startup folder.
Startup Folder Locations for Different Word Versions
The reference also provides the paths for the Startup folders in other versions of Microsoft Word:
| Word Version | Run Command Path |
|---|---|
| Word 2007 | %programfiles%\Microsoft\Office\Office12\Startup\ |
| Word 2003 | %programfiles%\Microsoft\Office\Office11\Startup\ |
| Word 2002 | %programfiles%\Microsoft\Office\Office10\Startup\ |
Please note that these paths are typical and might vary slightly depending on your operating system and Office installation specifics (e.g., on 64-bit Windows, Office might be in Program Files (x86)).
Utilizing the Startup Folder for Troubleshooting
Accessing the Startup folder is a practical step when trying to resolve issues that might make you feel like you need to "reset" Word. Files placed in this folder (such as .dot, .dotm, .wll, or .ppa files) are loaded every time Word starts and can sometimes cause unexpected behavior or errors.
By opening this folder, you can:
- Identify any templates or add-ins that are loading automatically.
- Temporarily move suspicious files out of the folder (e.g., to your desktop) to see if the issue resolves. If the problem goes away, one of the files you moved was likely the cause.
- Remove unwanted or problematic startup items permanently from the folder.
While accessing the Startup folder is a useful part of troubleshooting and can help restore Word to a more stable state by managing startup items, a full "reset" often involves additional steps like dealing with the Normal.dotm template or registry settings, which are not detailed in the provided reference. However, managing items in the Startup folder is a key action described in the reference related to Word's configuration and can address issues linked to startup behavior.
