Cannot create or rename Normal.dot file for MS Word

[marzolian]

For the past couple of days, when I close Word 2003, I get the
following error message:

---
Word cannot complete the save due to a file permission error.
(C:\Documents and Settings\...\Normal.dot)
---

If I try to save under "Normal.dot", I keep getting the same error. I
can save
the template under another name, but that's useless.

If I cancel the "save" and try to exit, it tells me:

"Changes have been made that affect the global template, Normal.dot.
Do you want
to save those changes?"

If I say no, I can exit normally. If I say yes, it goes back to the
first error
message above.

As you can see, the message doesn't identify the problematic folder.
However, I
can find it using Tools / Options / File locations, User templates.

Now here's the funny thing. The template folder does not contain a
"Normal.dot"
file. It doesn't matter whether I use a Windows Explorer window or a
command
prompt to view the folder contents. Windows is set to display hidden
files and
I can use a switch for the "DIR" command. In either case, there is no
Normal
template.

There are a couple of backups, including one that is a couple of weeks
old which
would be fine. However, when I make a copy of that one and try to
rename it to
"Normal.dot", I get this message.

"Cannot rename Normal" "A file with the name you specified already
exists"

In summary, Windows thinks that there is a template file, that it
cannot edit
and I cannot see.

I can get access to my toolbars and commands by adding a backup
template as an
Add-In. But it's still annoying.

Google hasn't been helpful, so far. Any suggestions?

Steven

[RishiRaj]

if u hav not logged in as administrator user, do so. then try to save
ir.

[marzolian]

No good. What else?

[marzolian]

Problem solved but it was weird.

I renamed the Template folder to "Templates.x". There I could see my
Normal.dot template file, as expected, dated two days ago. For some
reason it was hidden when the folder had its original name.

I renamed the file to "xNormal.dot". Then I changed the folder name
back to "Templates". I renamed "xNormal.dot" to "Normal.dot" and
opened and closed Word. No more problems.

Steven