Changing the Startup Directory

Summary: When you first start Word, it normally looks in the My Documents folder for files. Here's how you can configure the program to start in a different folder of your choosing. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

When you first install Word, the working directory is set to a default directory, which is normally "My Documents." You may want to change the default location to match your working habits. You can quickly change the default startup directory by following these steps:

Choose Options from the Tools menu. Word displays the Options dialog box.
Click on the File Locations tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Make sure the Documents file type is selected, then click on the Modify button. Word displays a dialog box in which you can browse and select directories.
Select the directory you want used as the startup directory for your documents.
Click on the OK button.
Click on the Close button.
Exit and restart Word.

Tip #136 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Changing the Startup Directory