Macros on a network

Question

When creating MACROS on a network, the macros will work fine on some computers, but not on others.  Can you explain how to fix this problem?

Answer 1

For a single user on a single computer, storing macros in the Normal.dotm template is recommended by Microsoft and is the default location suggested by the macro recorder.

However, they can be stored in any template or any document (as long as it's saved as a macro-enabled file, either .dotm or .docm). If they're in a template that's saved in the specific folder %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\Startup (which is in the user's profile), that becomes a "global template" or "add-in", which is also automatically loaded whenever Word starts.

Each user needs to have a personal Normal.dotm file; Word doesn't support sharing the Normal template among multiple users. If you have a Normal.dotm on the server, that bears no relationship to the Normal.dotm on each user's computer. Further, don't be tempted to copy the server's Normal.dotm template to each user -- that will wipe out each user's personal settings and preferences, which could spark a rebellion. ;-)

The preferable method is to use a network login script to copy one or more templates from the server to the user's Startup folder, as described in http://www.word.mvps.org/FAQs/MacrosVBA/DistributeMacros.htm.

Each template should have the shortcuts for its macros stored within the same template. (To do that, the original template must be opened as a document, so that the template's name is available in the Save In dropdown of the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog.)

Copying templates in this way has the additional advantage that, if you need to edit the macros or add new ones, the template on the server won't be locked by someone leaving their copy of Word running. After you've saved the changes, they'll be propagated to the users as each one logs into the server.

Answer 2

I am working with a group who wants to create macros to use within reports on a regular basis.

When the macros are created on the computer which is the SERVER for the network, the other computers cannot re-call the macros using the assigned keys.

What settings need to be changed on each of the computers... Or should there be a change within the SERVER computer?

It is my understanding that a MACRO is automatically saved within a normal.dotm that is somehow read when Microsoft WORD starts up?  Am I correct in assuming that?

Thank you for your help.  As of now, our issue is unresolved.  Marilyn Hebert

Answer 3

What do you mean by creating macros on a network.  Macros are created either in documents or templates?

What difference is there in the macro security settings\trusted location settings between the computers on which the macros work and on those on which they don't?