If you have changed your default font, boarders, page size, and you can’t remember how to undo those changes or if you just have a weird Word 2007 2010 2013 problem, you can easily reset your settings back to default by deleting a few files.
Before you begin, close Word.
- Delete NORMAL.DOTM and BUILDINGBLOCKS.DOTX
- Normal.DOTM and BuildingBlocks.DOTX usually reside in C:\Users\<your user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates
- The default NORMAL.DOTM files used for new profiles are stored C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates
- These files are rebuilt automatically when word is started
- Use regedit to delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Word\Data
- This key is rebuilt automatically when word is started
Click to enlarge these screen shots.
The first one shows you where how to determine where Word is looking for Normal.DOTM and the second screen shot shows you the key to delete.
Word2007 2010 2013 Normal dot dotm reset
Word 2007 2010 2013 Reset Settings Registry
22 Comments
hans · December 4, 2014 at 2:28 am
worked as a charme
Stephanie · September 4, 2014 at 2:23 am
This was a great and easy fix. Thanks my 2013 works great.
theo · July 22, 2014 at 6:34 am
Worked!
kathlos · July 22, 2014 at 3:40 am
if office are genuine and activated will i lose the activation by this method?
Ian Matthews · July 30, 2014 at 8:54 pm
If your Office in genuine, I do not believe this method will cause an activation. You could call the Microsoft Activation phone number: http://www.urtech.ca/2014/07/solved-how-to-call-microsoft-on-the-phone-to-activate-your-windows-or-office-product/
kelmy · May 19, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Works perfectly…..thanks a lot 😀
mohamaf · March 12, 2014 at 12:07 pm
my problem solved. thnx a lot
malintha · February 17, 2014 at 12:37 am
worked on office 2013. thanks
HEN · November 4, 2013 at 9:24 am
Working perfectlly i just remove the file NORMAL.DOTM and it automatic restore the office
vkgupta · June 10, 2013 at 10:38 am
working for me thanks ms office 2013 i like this
bkgupta · June 10, 2013 at 10:36 am
worked for me on word 2013, the registry part needs to be done
luis alexandre · March 10, 2013 at 4:39 pm
thanks
mahmoud · February 17, 2013 at 10:57 am
thanks
klack · December 18, 2012 at 1:59 pm
worked for me on word 2007, the registry part needs to be done
blackandtan509 · December 7, 2012 at 9:20 am
Worked for me! Thank you SO much!
Dimitar · November 16, 2012 at 10:45 am
This guide did’t work for me…i’ll try something other. Thanks anyway