Unchanging Toolbars

If you use Word in a training environment, or on a group of computers used by many different people, you may need a way to make sure that the toolbars always return to their default condition. For instance, if one user rearranges the toolbars, you might want them returned to their default condition before the next user starts the program.

There are a couple of ways to handle this situation. Perhaps the easiest approach is to simply make the Normal.dot template file read-only. Since toolbar settings are stored in the template, this will help for many of the toolbars. However, if you use a different template, it is possible that the toolbars will be changed when using those templates. Also, this won't work if you want to allow other changes to the template.

Another solution is to create a macro that will reset your toolbars to their default state. This is a fairly simple macro to create. (If you are training people on how to program in Word, you may even want to make the macro the subject of a class assignment.) The following macro can be stored in your template, and since it is run every time a document is opened, it will reset your toolbars to their default condition:

Sub AutoOpen
For Each cb In CommandBars
    cb.Reset
Next
End Sub

If you need greater control over the toolbars, including resetting where they are placed, you can use a macro something like this:

Private Sub Document_New()
    CommandBars("Formatting").Protection = msoBarNoCustomize + \
       msoBarNoChangeVisible + msoBarNoMove
End Sub

This macro should be placed in the ThisDocument module of Normal.dot. This particular example only protects the Formatting toolbar, but you could quickly adapt it to the other toolbars you want protected.