Tips to open DOTM file

Can't open the DOTM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DOTM files as well as a list of programs that support DOTM files.

DOTM file extension

File Name Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Text Files

The DOTM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DOTM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DOTM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DOTM file?

The file with the extension DOTM is the Text Files file type. It was designed by Microsoft. Additionally, the Text Files category contains 440 of other files. Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The Microsoft Word application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 7 other programs. Microsoft Office, Apache OpenOffice, Office 365 will apply when it is not possible to use Microsoft Word.

How to open DOTM file?

An often recurring problem with Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template is that DOTM is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that DOTM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DOTM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Word

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Word application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Word into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DOTM files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with DOTM files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the DOTM file to open in the Microsoft Word application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the DOTM file with the Microsoft Word program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Word program, it is possible that Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DOTM file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the DOTM file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file DOTM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected DOTM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the DOTM file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DOTM file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DOTM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the DOTM file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the DOTM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DOTM file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.