WD6X: Can't Create New Document/Template in File New Dialog Box

• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a new document or template based on an existing template, you may receive the following error message:

   This document template does not exist

CAUSE

You may receive this error message if either of the following conditions are true.

Case 1

The first character of the template name is a space.

NOTE: In Microsoft Word for the Macintosh version 5.x, you may have named a stationery document with a space as the first character of the name to push the stationery document to the top of the list, making it easier to find. After you upgrade to Word 6.x, the stationery is converted with the original name.

Case 2

The first character in the template's name is corrupted.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1: Remove the Space from the File Name

Rename the template, using any character except a space for the first letter. An ampersand ("&") as the first character will make the template name appear at the top of the list.

Method 2: Rename the Template

Rename the template to a completely different name (with no space at the beginning).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 6.0 and 6.0.1 for the Macintosh. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.