Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Bypassing the Startup Macro.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 15, 2016)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
You can create a macro that Word will run whenever the program is started. There may be times, however, when you want to bypass the startup macro. If this is the case, you can use the following command line to start Word:
winword.exe /m
This command causes Word to start and attempt to run the macro after the /m. Since there is no macro there, Word starts without executing any macro at all. This is also a good trick to try if you suspect you have an AutoExec macro that is doing something hinky to your system.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (122) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Bypassing the Startup Macro.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Want to configure Word to do just what you want it to? You can even go so far as to change the actual way in which Word ...
Discover MoreFor certain types of writing, you may want to make sure that the sentences in your document do not exceed a certain ...
Discover MoreMacros can be used to perform all sorts of tasks within Word. Some tasks can even occur at whatever time interval you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments