Fix issues that prevent you from opening existing files or the global template (Normal.dotm) in Word

The error message, “Word was unable to open the existing file Normal.dotm,” indicates a problem that's preventing Microsoft Word from accessing or loading this important template file. As such, it can disrupt your document creation or editing process and be frustrating for users trying to use Word effectively.

If you're frustrated with the "Word can't open existing file normal.dotm Office 2016 error," let's delve into the methods to fix this issue. Here are some approaches with step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the "Word can't open the existing file normal.dotm on Windows 10" error.

Solution 1: Repair Word's inability to open an existing global template using the Fixo Document Repair tool Solution 1: Resolve the issue of Word not being able to open an existing global template with Fixo Document Repair

Fixo Document Repair is a powerful tool designed to address issues with Word's inability to open an existing global template. Whether you're encountering file corruption errors, formatting issues, or any other document-related problem, Fixo Document Repair offers a reliable solution.

This file recovery software is an excellent office companion that repairs damaged files with just a few simple clicks. This Microsoft Repair Tool also resolves common Word issues like Microsoft Word has stopped working, frequent Word crashes, and Word cannot open the document.

Equipped with advanced repair algorithms, this software is an ideal solution to recover corrupted or inaccessible Word documents. Follow the steps here to fix a corrupted docx file:

Step 1: ✨ Download, install, and launch the Fixo Document Repair tool.

You can download this repair tool via the download button provided or any other official source. After installation, double-click on the Fixo icon to launch it. Click on "File Repair" and then "Add File" to select and fix corrupted Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents.

✨ Step 2: Repair the Damaged Document Immediately

After adding the documents, click “Repair” to fix a specific one, or choose “Repair All” to fix all files in the list at once.

Step 3: Preview and Save the Repaired Document

Now that the file is ready, you can save it. You can also click the “eye” icon to preview the document. After clicking “Save All,” look for the repaired files in the pop-up window by selecting “View Repaired.”

Don't keep this valuable trick to yourself! Share this article via social media with your family, friends, and coworkers to help them fix similar issues and regain access to their important Word documents.

Fix 2: Modify Component Security Settings to Address Unopenable Word Files If your Word files fail to open due to component security settings, try adjusting these settings. Follow these steps: 1. Open Control Panel: In the search bar, type "Control Panel" and click to enter. 2. Select "Programs": Find and click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features" within the Control Panel. 3. Click "Turn Windows features on or off": In the Programs window, locate and click on "Turn Windows features on or off". 4. In the pop-up window, find and check the box for "Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack," then click "OK". 5. Wait for the installation to complete: The system will automatically download and install the compatibility pack, which may take some time. 6. Restart your computer: After the installation is finished, restart your computer. 7. Try opening the Word file: Now attempt to open the previously unopenable Word file to see if the issue has been resolved. Please note that this method may not apply to all situations but could be effective for specific security setting issues. If the problem persists, you might need to explore other solutions or contact technical support.

When Windows security settings get in the way of opening a Word document, resetting component security settings to default configuration becomes necessary. This is a quick solution when Microsoft Office cannot open this file due to missing or invalid parts.

Here is a guide to how such adjustments could be made:

Step 1: Type dcomcnfg in the Search bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Click on "Component Services" in the new window.

Step 3: In the middle pane, locate the Computers folder and double-click to expand it.

Step 4: Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

Step 5: Select the "Default Properties."

Step 6. In the Default Distributed COM Communication Properties section, select Default from the drop-down menu for Default Authentication Level.

Step 7: From the Default simulation level drop-down menu, select the Identify simulation level, and click OK.

Fix 3: Check Trust Center settings and resolve issues with Normal.dotm

In newer versions of Word, strict security policies around copying or downloading data that are enabled with Protected View might prevent access to the document.

Tackling this challenge will require policymakers to follow several steps:

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word and go to File > Options.

Step 2: Click the Trust Center button under Trust Center Settings.

Click on "Trust Center."

Step 3: Select the Protected View options, uncheck all settings, and click OK.

Step 4. Reopen the Word document. You should now be able to access it without any errors.

Solution 4: Check WINWORD.EXE through Task Manager to Fix Word File Not Opening

If Microsoft Word isn't opening on Windows, you can try fixing it immediately with the following methods:

Step 1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.

Step 2. Check the "Details" tab and look for WINWORD.exe. If it's active, your operating system assumes the program is running normally and won't display an error message.

Step 3: Right-click on the running service WINWORD.exe and select “End Process.” Then restart MS Word.

Fix 5: Use the Open and Repair feature of Microsoft Office

If a file is damaged and won't open in Word, all is not lost. See how to “Open and Repair” a Word document for details.

Step 1: Launch Word.

Step 2: Go to the File menu or click the Microsoft Office button, and then click Open.

Click to open

<Step 3> In the Open dialog box, select the blank Word file.

<b>Step 4:</b> Click the down arrow next to Open, then choose Open and Repair.

This built-in Microsoft Word feature will fix any corruption issues that it detects in the document.

Fix 6: Update the Microsoft Word application to resolve issues with files not opening in Word

If your Microsoft Office Word is crashing or getting interrupted, it might be due to an outdated Office version or issues with your Windows system. Follow these steps to install the latest Microsoft Office updates and resolve the problem of not being able to open Word documents:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Click on "File".

Step 3: From the left panel, select "Accounts."

Select Account

Step 4: In the right panel, look for "Office Updates."

Step 5: Click the down arrow next to "Update Options."

Step 6: Select “Update Now” from the drop-down menu.

Step 7: Wait for the scan and update process to finish.

Step 8: After the update is successful, Microsoft Word will notify you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on "Word Cannot Open Existing File"

Explore some common issues with Microsoft Word not opening existing files. If you encounter these problems, you can use the solutions provided in this article.

1. Why can't I open my Word document?

There can be several reasons why you might have trouble accessing a Word document on Windows. These include:

• Opening a document created in an earlier version of Microsoft Word, such as 2007, after an upgrade. • Installed add-ins. • A corrupted file. • Attempting to save multiple documents at once.

< b > Why can't I open my old Word documents?

The issue with opening an older Word document could be related to its format, as it might not be fully compatible with certain elements of the Word file. Converting the Word file to a different format can grant access to new features and resolve compatibility issues.

How do I fix an unopenable Word document?

The "Open and Repair" command might be able to fix your file. Try these steps:

Step 1: Click the "File" menu, then click "Open" and browse to the location or folder where your Word document is saved.

Step 2: Select the file you need, and then click the arrow next to Open.

Step 3: Click Open and Repair to start the repair process.

Last Words

In summary, difficulties in opening Word documents on Windows can result from various factors, including interfering add-ins, corrupted files, and simultaneous saving of multiple documents. If you're dealing with persistent issues opening Word files, the Fixo Document Repair tool is an ideal solution for the "Word cannot open existing file" problem. Download it now to fix your corrupted Word documents.