Getting Rid of the Startup Document

Summary: When you start Word, it opens a blank document, ready for you to start typing within. If you don't want this blank document to appear, you can use the /n switch with the command line used to start Word. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

Every time you start Word from the Start button or, in older versions of Windows, the Program Manager, the program is started with a blank document. This is great if you are ready to start a new file. Most people, however, find themselves working with the same files over and over. If you are tired of closing that opening document every time you start Word, then follow these steps in Windows:

Using the desktop browser, display the folder containing the shortcut used to start Word.
Right-click on the shortcut icon. This displays a Context menu for the shortcut.
Select the Properties option from the Context menu. This displays the shortcut's Properties dialog box.
Click on the Shortcut tab.
At the end of the Target field, add the following: /n (If there are quote marks surrounding the text in the Target field, makes sure you place the /n outside the quote marks.) There should be a space just in front of the slash.
Click on OK.

Once this change is made, whenever you start Word there will be no blank document.

Tip #155 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

Great Idea! Word is a tool to get what you really want—printed output. This means you need to make sure that Word works as well as possible with your printer, whether it is sitting on your desk or in a room down the hall.

Check out WordTips: Printing and Printers today!

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Getting Rid of the Startup Document