OFF97: Multiple General Tabs in File New Dialog Box (205738)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q205738
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you click New on the File menu, more than one General tab may appear.

CAUSE

You have a folder named General located in your User Templates or Workgroup Templates folder.

Note: This problem may occur even after you delete the General folder.

To check where your User Templates or Workgroup Templates folder is located, do one of the following:

  • In Microsoft Word: On the Tools menu, click Options and then click the File Locations tab.

    -or-

  • In Microsoft Office: Right-click on a blank area of the Office toolbar. On the shortcut menu, click Customize and then click the Settings tab.
By default, the User Templates location is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Templates folder, and the Workgroup Templates location is blank.

WORKAROUND

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
To correct this problem, use the following steps.
  1. Quit all Office programs.
  2. Right-click Start and then on the shortcut menu, click Explore.
  3. Open your User Templates or Workgroup Templates folder. For example, open C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Templates
  4. Delete the General folder. If you have files located in the General folder, be sure to move those files to a different location before you delete the General folder.
  5. On the File menu, click Close to quit the Windows Explorer.
  6. Click Start and then click Run.
  7. In the Open box, type regedit and then click OK.
  8. Delete the following registry key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\8.0\Common\FileNewGroups

  9. On the Registry menu, click Exit.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/11/2002
Keywords:kbbug kbtemplate KB205738
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.