#1. There are lots of useful addins. But I've found the most useful for any
particular problem is one that was written for that problem=--their home grown.

#2. Actually, when you create a new workbook based on a template, the file
doesn't open as a .xls file. It'll only get that extension when you save the
workbook. And you're hoping that the user doesn't overwrite that template when
they save the file.

If a .xls file is marked readonly, when a user opens that file, then the user
can't overwrite that file (without doing something special). This is pretty
much what your template accomplishes, too.

======
If you want generic useful addins:
John Walkenbach's PUP Utilities:
http://j-walk.com/ss/pup/pup7/index.htm
(Other versions have links on that page)

ASAP Utilities:
http://www.asap-utilities.com/

Jim Cone's:
http://www.realezsites.com/bus/primi...e/products.php

Ron de Bruin has a few specific purpose addins he
http://rondebruin.nl
(emailing, merging, searching google, easyfiltering, ...)

There's way too many to list here.





Dermot wrote:

Hi Dave
Thanks for the reply.

Quote
I have no idea what you're doing, but maybe you could use an addin that has
a few macros that do the customization that you want.
Question 1
I wasn't being specific, just seeking suggestions for good practice to
follow regardin the use of templates. I currently used VBA to open the
Template Dialog but this is only on my computer. I am interested in your
suggestion about using an addins.....if you don't mind me asking....what
addins have you found useful?

Quote
I don't see too much difference between a .xlt file and a .xls file that
can't be saved.
Question
I am not sure I understand what you mean by can't be saved.
I use the Xlt extension because it opens as a xls and saves as an
xls...preventing the xlt from being overwritten by other users accessing it
at the same time.
Can you elaborate a little
Thanks

"Dave Peterson" wrote:

#1. For each user who needs to have access to the templates:

Open MSWord
Tools|Options|File Locations tab
And change workgroup templates to what you want.

Excel will use that setting, too.

#2. I have no idea what you're doing, but maybe you could use an addin that has
a few macros that do the customization that you want. Or maybe something in the
auto_open/workbook_open procedure???

#3. I used to weasel on this. I don't see too much difference between a .xlt
file and a .xls file that can't be saved. I would create a .xls file on a
common network folder. I'd mark it as Readonly (using Windows explorer) and
save it marked readonly.

Then I'd keep a backup -- just in case someone deleted that file.

The users would just open the file to use it. Since the file was readonly, they
had to save it somewhere else.


Dermot wrote:

My Current Understanding....correct me if I am wrong.
When saving templates (dot Extension) in either Excel or Word 2003 I can
save them so they appear in the Template dialog box. The Template can be
opened from the dialogue box accessed "Templates On My Computer".
Or
I can browse anywhere within my computer and creat a custom folder to save
the templates.

Question 1
Is there a way to save the templates in a tabbed "Template Dialog" but have
them available to every computer on a network.

Question 2
What is considered the best practice with respect to templates for
multiusers on a network with respect to peronalising for individuals but at
the same time taking into account the possible need for modification.

Question 3
I would appreciate any other suggestions that would be worth considering.

Thanks in advance

--

Dave Peterson


--

Dave Peterson